The Fountain 2011

Editor: So, this is "The Fountain," made by Romul Nutiu in 2011 using acrylic paint. It’s... really dynamic! The swirling shapes draw my eye inward. But honestly, I’m not sure what it’s supposed to mean. What do you see in this piece? Art Historian: The title itself, "The Fountain," already suggests a source, a beginning. Notice the concentric circles and the central vertical line. It almost has an ancient, cosmological feel, doesn’t it? The circles remind me of Ouroboros—a symbol of eternity and cyclical renewal, gnawing its tail. Editor: Oh, like that ancient serpent eating its tail? Art Historian: Exactly! This form and the monochrome hints within the strokes give a sense of a journey back and forth, maybe? Even a continuous struggle... Do you get a feeling like this fountain may be life giving? Editor: Yes, a little! Especially how the circle seems to cradle the light blue in the centre. Does that vertical line play into that meaning? Art Historian: I believe so. Lines can have really forceful psychological impact. Here, the line seems to indicate an intervention from ‘above’. You get a connection from ‘divine’ or maybe the ethereal into the cycles of mundane ‘being’. In doing so, it charges it and gives it a path forwards… a destiny of sorts. How do you think such interpretations enhance how we remember our humanity through symbols? Editor: That's a great way to look at it! I was too focused on the visual energy of the piece, and less at what images I might unconsciously know. Now it feels richer. Thanks for showing me those symbols! Art Historian: It’s fascinating how an abstract work can become a vessel of culture! Seeing continuities helps create emotional connection with past and present, it gives the artist's message more lasting meaning and importance.