Romanian artist Radu Oreian has returned to 1969 Gallery with That Magic Light, his second show with the gallery and first since 2022's A Sea of Green and Blue. That Magic Light transports us into the inner workings of the artist’s mind, asking the audience the ultimate ontological question of what it means “to be.” Oreian creates a universe containing endless intersections—art combines with history, mythology, pop culture, and philosophy. In introspection, he attempts to make sense of “the artist life,” inviting the viewer to become an accomplice in his ongoing journey to enlightenment; fostering an environment in which the viewers allow themselves to reflect alongside him and follow That Magic Light.
Working with figuration and abstraction, his paintings simultaneously explore large-scale themes of art history and memories interwoven with his personal narrative of discovery as an artist. That Magic Light is an abstract representation of Oreian’s creative mission, which guides “the artist”— Oreian’s alter-ego— through his creative process.
Ancient ambers, medieval tapestries and discolored bottles adorn Oreian’s work, giving it an archaeological significance. Intricate visual forms and references are littered throughout, drawing from the vast stylings of religious frescoes, art historical work, family trinkets and pop culture knick-knacks. The final paintings, completed using ultra-fine tip brushes, become a tapestry of details unfolding before the audience’s eyes, drawing them further in, the deeper they look. His brush strokes transition between layered fine points and soft billowing lines, giving the spaces he constructs an organic quality, as if the spaces exist within the biology of an omnipotent being.
