Title: Deja-vu
Artist: Valentin Soare
Country: Romania
Valentin Soare, graduate of the National University of Arts in Bucharest, where he studied Fine Arts with a specialization in Sculpture, honed his skills and knowledge, later obtaining a Master’s degree in Sculpture at the same university. He is a curious explorer of forms and materials, a creator traveling the world with his unique artistic vision. He is a member of the Romanian Fine Artists’ Union and AIAP, making a significant contribution to the local and international artistic landscape.
Over the years, Valentin has captivated audiences with monumental works in Bucharest’s public spaces. These include the 1990 Project, “The Star Has a Name,” and “The Finger of God,” exhibited in locations such the Bastilia Courtyard, University Square, the balcony of the History Faculty, University of Bucharest etc. His work has also extended beyond Bucharest to places like Ghica Estate Park in Ghergani, featured in the 4th edition of the 2023 European Cultural Event “Rendez-Vous au Jardin.”
He has showcased his art both individually and in group exhibitions, both within the country and abroad. One of his recent solo exhibitions, “The Long Way to the Monument,” was successfully organized at Fantom Gallery Berlin, as part of an Artistic Residency aimed at promoting Romanian art in the heart of Germany. His works have found their way into private collections in countries such as Italy, Germany, USA, and Lebanon, demonstrating the impact and universality of his creations.
Artist’s Vision:
Inspired by the early models of film cameras, this work is a journey through time and a tribute to the roots of photographic technology. Carving technique is not a simple replica of vintage cameras; it is an artistic and abstract reinterpretation of them. Through a distinctive geometric language and bold forms, I will breathe life into these classic models, transforming them into an abstract and modern vision.
The painted wooden base adds depth and warmth to the artwork, reminding the viewer of the naturalness and authenticity of the past. The wood, with its natural texture and carefully chosen colors, creates a subtle connection between the mechanical technology of the past and our modern environment.
In a cinematic landscape dominated by cutting-edge technology and digital advancements, this artwork stands as a poetic journey through the evolution of filmmaking. It touches upon the sense of nostalgia for the origins of cinema, reminiscing back to an era when the art form was in its early stages. Exactly then through the complicated usage of cameras, the essence of the craftsmanship and ingenuity stood out while producing various cinematic experiences.
Using carving technique and abstract art, Valentin lures the visitors to dive into their own imagination and go beyond the mere limitations of what one sees. The use of distinctive geometric language and bold forms, but still remaining recognizable, is what sparks a feeling of endless vitality into these classic camera models. Just as cinema pushes the boundaries of conventions, this artwork, while rooted in realism and leaning into the avant-garde, similarly challenges the established norms.
A further connection between the present moment and the memory of the past is provided by the choice of using wood as material. This wooden camera resonates with a naturalness and simplicity, qualities that are rarely seen in the contemporary context. Selectin a white color instead of the typical dark tones commonly associated with cameras conveys a message of tranquility and wisdom. Deja-vu does not only celebrate the early models of film camera but also invites for a reflection on the evolution of cinema itself. It offer the viewers a visual dialogue, encapsulating the constant conversation between the past and the present of cinema. – Zhana Kalinova, curator
