Please join us at our preview and meet the artist, Friday 30th at 5pm. 

For a price list or further enquiries please contact Lydia Baxendell: lydia@gallery33.co.nz 

For further images and information on the artist please click HERE.

Rhythmico is an exciting new direction for Romanian born abstract expressionist artist Cristina Popovici. Exhibiting for almost two decades throughout Europe and more recently in New Zealand, the artist has established herself as a figure of standing within New Zealand’s art circles. In gestural arcs of brilliant colour and spontaneity Popovici manipulates the surface of her canvas with virtuoso control and vigor. Akin to music, her paintings are built on a harmonic stratum of vivid colour, line and textural planes. The artist has a unique approach to both technique and medium; layering and pouring a range of materials such as p.v.c., glass paint, oil paint and plaster. While retaining her distinctive style, Popovici is consistently challenging herself to produce exciting new developments in composition and methodology. In her recent body of work there is an additional air of heightened tension caused by the contrast between flat and raised surfaces.

Last year Popovici visited Wanaka and was captivated by the lyrical rhythms distinct to the local landscape. Rhythmico is Popovici’s metaphorical journey; an emotive response to her experience and memories of Wanaka. Some works are reminiscent of aerial views; veins of water intersecting the shadow of a valley or ridged line of a mountain range, while others own the weight and substance of feet firmly grounded, eyes and soul in awe of ones surroundings.

‘The challenge of abstract painting is to create meaningful images that people can communicate with, connect with and find a story in. It is not that relevant for an abstract artist where the inspiration comes from, but how credible they reconfigure the abstract elements so they become possible, credible images, people can believe in. I do not take my inspiration from nature, as I said many times. However, this exhibition gravitates around one place: Wanaka. I was fascinated by the dramatic display of nature’s splendor and force. There is a deep and magnificent beauty behind the mountains, lake and sky that makes this place unique. I think I resonate the most to the rhythm that animates this huge, divine orchestra of exquisiteness. If only I can suggest this musical rhythm through abstract painting, I can say that this would be called abstract-surrealism.’ Cristina Popovici, Artist Statement, 2008

Lava Inflorencence (2008) 1980x1820mm, mixed media on board	Swell of Light (2008) 600x600mm, mixed media on canvas

The Land Keepers (2008) 910x1980mm, PVC on board	Rythmico (2008) 1020x2035mm, mixed media on canvas	Landingscape (2008) 1015x2030mm, mixed media on board

Fluidecho (2008) 1980x1820mm, mixed media on board	Four Windows (2008) 1220x1220mm, mixed media on canvas

Overlapping Reflections-1 (2008) 410x1020mm, mixed media on canvas	Overture of Water and Fire (2008) 1220x1530mm, mixed media on canvas	Abundance (2008) 1010x2020mm, mixed media on canvas

Water and Earth (2008) 1680x910mm, mixed media on canvas	Overlapping Reflections-2 (2008) 1020x410mm, mixed media on canvas	Sky and Earth (2008) 1680x910mm,mixed media on canvas

Catalogue Essay by Lydia Baxendell 2008