How Alexandra Niculescu Makes Mystical Paintings Inspired by the Old Masters and Rococo Style
Alexandra Niculescu is a Romanian artist living in Bucharest. Growing up on the historic Calea Victoriei, often called ‘Little Paris,’ Alexandra was inspired by the beautiful architecture around her. In this interview, she talks about how these early experiences, along with her love for Old Masters and the Rococo style, have shaped her colorful and emotionally rich paintings. She also opens up about the importance of the color blue in her work, which reflects her personal journey as both an artist and a mother.
Alexandra Niculescu (b. 1988 Bucharest) is a Romanian artist living and working in Bucharest. She completed a scholarship from the Milan Art Institute, where she began her journey as a full-time artist. Growing up on Calea Victoriei, known as the Street of Museums during the period when Bucharest earned its nickname ‘Little Paris,’ had a profound influence on her future career. The street was lined with magnificent architectural gems reminiscent of French elegance and grandeur. The surrounding buildings featured ornate facades adorned with intricate sculptures, wrought iron balconies, and charming balconied windows. This captivating blend of architectural styles was a constant source of inspiration throughout her artistic journey.
Her work is colorful, drawing inspiration from Old Masters’ paintings, particularly in the choice of color palettes and forms. She begins her paintings with an image from the Old Masters, especially from the Rococo aesthetic, characterized by elaborate and ornamental decorations. The juxtapositions between warm and cool colors contribute to the visual tension present in her paintings. Her brushstrokes, combined with bold colours, create visually striking compositions that invite viewers into an immersive experience where emotions run high.
Alexandra is interested in how stories are retold and reimagined, and as a contemporary artist, she contributes to this dialogue through her art. Her works serve as a bridge between the past and present, allowing her to connect with timeless themes while infusing her own unique perspective.
Through careful observation of Old Masters’ works, she reinterprets their aesthetics in a contemporary context. By blending elements from different time periods and styles within her work, she aims to contribute to an ongoing dialogue between past traditions and current artistic trends.
An important element in her artistic creations is the color blue, which holds profound significance as it represents her true story. Like the vast expanse of the sky, blue permeates through her works, weaving a narrative that reflects her journey as an artist and mother. The use of blue in her art invites viewers to immerse themselves in its calming embrace while contemplating their own experiences. It serves as a visual language that transcends words and connects people emotionally. It is through this synthesis that she hopes to leave her imprint on the ever-evolving landscape of art.
1. Alexandra’s childhood in Calea, Victoria, must have been incredible. How did the architectural beauty and historical significance of Little Paris influence your development as an artist?
Growing up on Calea Victoriei, a major boulevard in Bucharest, often called ‘Little Paris’ since the 1900s due to its people, places, and architecture, was truly inspiring. The architectural beauty and historical significance of the area deeply influenced my development as an artist. Every house has its story; those on Calea Victoriei have known a tumultuous life for over two centuries. Bucharest experienced moments of glory with houses, shops, palaces, and public buildings—many designed by French architects—still partially preserved today in the central ring of the city. In these houses, I noticed the first elements of Rococo architecture, which captivated me during my university years. During an architecture course at university, I discovered more about this style, which continues to influence my work today.
I include my personal narrative as symbols within my paintings—such as injections—which adds emotional depth rooted in my biographic story.
Alexandra Niculescu
2. Your work is inspired by the Old Masters and the Rococo aesthetic. What specifically draws you to these styles, and how do you incorporate them into your modern pieces?
My work is inspired by the Old Masters and the Rococo aesthetic because of their intricate details, elegance, and emotional depth. The Old Masters’ techniques in light and shadow create a timeless quality that I strive to bring into my art. The Rococo style’s ornate elements and playful themes add a layer of sophistication. In my artworks, I incorporate these styles by blending traditional motifs with contemporary forms. For example, I use detailed brushwork to mimic the texture of classic paintings while integrating vibrant colors and abstract shapes typical in contemporary art. Additionally, I include my personal narrative as symbols within my paintings—such as injections—which adds emotional depth rooted in my biographic story.
3. Color plays a crucial role in your paintings, especially blue. Can you share more about the significance of blue in your art and how it reflects your personal journey?
Blue is special in my art as it represents both tranquillity and depth. It’s a color that evokes calmness but also carries an emotional weight, reflecting the complexities of life. For me, blue symbolizes introspection and serenity, which are essential aspects of my personal journey. Incorporating blue into my paintings allows me to convey feelings of peace amidst chaos. It serves as a backdrop for exploring themes like resilience and hope. Additionally, blue helps me tell the truth—my narrative and biographical story—which adds authenticity to my work.
4. You mention that your art bridges the past and present. How do you balance staying true to historical influences while bringing your own contemporary perspective to your work?
Balancing historical influences with a contemporary perspective is key to my art. I stay true to the past by studying and incorporating techniques from the Old Masters and Rococo aesthetics, such as detailed brushwork and ornate elements. At the same time, I bring my own modern viewpoint by infusing personal narratives and symbols into my pieces. For example, using injections in my paintings adds a unique biographical touch that reflects current themes in my life, like my struggle with thrombophilia during pregnancy. This not only tells my personal story but also resonates with thousands of other women facing similar challenges. This blend of old and new allows me to create art that honors tradition while expressing contemporary experiences.
Incorporating blue into my paintings allows me to convey feelings of peace amidst chaos. It serves as a backdrop for exploring themes like resilience and hope, blue helps me tell the truth.
Alexandra Niculescu
5. Your paintings are known for their emotional intensity and striking color combinations. Can you talk about your creative process and how you achieve this visual tension?
My creative process starts with deep introspection and emotional exploration. I reflect on personal experiences and feelings, which become the foundation of my work. I choose colors that convey these emotions—like intense blues for depth or various nude tones for a visceral aesthetic. By layering these subtle yet powerful colors, I create a visual tension that captures the viewer’s attention. On the sky, I like to create symbolic touches with brushstrokes or a palette knife. These symbolic forms tell my story, which is seen in the sky. “I feel that life is like a puzzle. Someone else started it, and it’s my job to continue and finish it.”
6. As an artist and mother, how do you find inspiration and balance between your personal and professional life, and how does this influence your artwork?
My brushstrokes reflect the chaos and energy of life with my children. Their playfulness and presence inspire me, making my art more vibrant and energetic. I cannot make art without them; the atmosphere they create makes me feel deeply inspired, emotional, colorful, peaceful, and in the perfect mood to create.
Alexandra Niculescu’s art beautifully blends the old with the new. By drawing inspiration from the past and adding her personal touch, she creates paintings that are both visually stunning and deeply meaningful. Her use of color, especially blue, tells her own story, making her work a powerful connection between history and modern life. To learn more about Alexandra, click the following links to visit her profile.
