Paula Craioveanu
The Shield - unique piece by Paula Craioveanu - Neo Mythology
2018

Name: The Shield - unique piece by Paula Craioveanu - Neo Mythology
Brand: Paula Craioveanu
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

$320

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£239.76

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€279.47

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CA$450.41

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A$458.47

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CHF 260.97

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NOK 3,043.03

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SEK 3,079.72

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DKK 2,089.18

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About the Item

"The Shield". This painting was inspired by ancient masks and statues and it's part of my Neo-Mythology series. Painted with acrylic, (+gesso and gold leaf) on round canvas (20cm / 8in) Unique work, not a series. Ready for hanging and display. Shipping from Forest Hills, NY. See the other masks from the same series. Triptych is made up of three round pieces, sold separately. These three paintings are a stunning example of how contemporary art can merge classical imagery with modern techniques and abstract influences. The works clearly draw inspiration from classical sculptures and ancient art, evoking mythological figures or deities. This is evident in the realistic rendering of facial features that resemble Greco-Roman busts. The use of modern textures and techniques, such as splashes of paint and gilded accents, recontextualizes these ancient motifs for a contemporary audience. The red tones in the bottom piece convey a sense of heat, power, or perhaps conflict. The red overlays paired with black create an intense, almost volcanic energy. The blue and gold tones in the top piece evoke a celestial, divine quality. The use of metallic gold adds a tactile, sculptural element, making it feel sacred or regal. The white and blue tones of the right piece are cooler and more serene, suggesting introspection or a sense of quiet divinity. The blood-like splashes contrast this tranquility, adding an element of violence or sacrifice. The incorporation of metallic gold on the top piece adds a layered and dimensional feel, mimicking the precious materials often used in ancient religious or mythological artifacts. Meanwhile, the painterly strokes and splattered paint infuse the series with a raw, modern energy. These pieces appear to explore the tension between divinity and humanity. The classical faces suggest timelessness, wisdom, and the mythological, while the chaotic textures and vibrant splashes represent human emotion, imperfection, or transience. The deliberate use of contrasting colors (warm vs. cool) and compositional elements (realistic vs. abstract) speaks to themes of duality—light and dark, chaos and order, life and death. By combining ancient motifs with modern abstract techniques, the artist may be commenting on how mythology and history persist in shaping contemporary culture. This work feels reminiscent of 20th-century movements such as Surrealism, where artists like Giorgio de Chirico reimagined classical forms in modern contexts. The abstraction and vibrant use of color also echo Abstract Expressionism. The gilded elements tie it to Byzantine art, which often used gold to symbolize divinity. These paintings are a rich exploration of mythology through a contemporary lens. Their tactile quality, dynamic contrasts, and emotive power invite the viewer to connect with ancient stories in a modern context. Biography: Paula Craioveanu is a Romanian artist, born in 1976. She grew up surrounded by art and inspiration, in a family of artists. Trained in Bucharest and New York as an architect and painter. Holds a degree in Architecture and a PhD in Visual Arts. Presently working as a full-time artist. At the age of 16, Paula Craioveanu moved to New York, where she came in contact with New York’s vibrant art scene, she graduated from high school and then studied at Parsons School of Design. Then she moved back to Romania where she studied for the next 6 years at the Architecture University in Bucharest and graduated with a degree in Architecture in 2000. In 2013 she earned a Ph.D in Visual Arts at the University of Arts in Bucharest with the theme “Geometry of Space in 17th century Dutch painting”. After this, she dedicated her full time to art, and showed her talent to the art world. Paula Craioveanu works in acrylic and oil paints, but also pen and ink or tempera works on paper. She regularly participates in shows and exhibitions in galleries along the East and West Coast of the United States, like bG Gallery Santa Monica, Dacia Gallery and Perseus Gallery in New York. Paula Craioveanu’s work is featured on the two most exclusive online art marketplaces, 1stDibs and Artsy. Over the course of 20 years, Paula Craioveanu has created several painting series: “Abstract”, “Interiors”, “Nude in Interior”, “NeoMythology”. Paula Craioveanu’s work has been placed in private collection around the world, both in Europe and in the United States. Today, Paula Craioveanu has set up studios and works in Bucharest and New York. Find original Paula Craioveanu paintings, works on paper and other art on 1stDibs.

Creator:
Paula Craioveanu (1976, Romanian)
Creation Year:
2018
Dimensions:
Height: 1 in (2.54 cm)Diameter: 8 in (20.32 cm)
Medium:
Acrylic,Gold Leaf
Movement & Style:
Contemporary
Period:
2010-
Condition:
Gallery Location:
Forest Hills, NY
Reference Number:
Seller: Romanian-American artist. PhD in Visual Arts.1stDibs: LU2240211496962