Spiral 2011

Curator: Well, this is Romul Nutiu's "Spiral," created in 2011 using acrylic paint. What strikes you most about it initially? Editor: Chaos. Almost violent swirls of color wrestling against an imposing void. The left side seems to be in constant motion, a maelstrom contained within a circular framework. Curator: The spiral motif carries so much historical weight, doesn't it? Think of ancient petroglyphs, the Celtic knotwork, even natural phenomena like galaxies and hurricanes. It represents growth, evolution, the cycles of life and death... Editor: Yes, but Nutiu complicates that with the stark dichotomy he sets up. The spiraling vibrancy on the one side, facing a block of white that swallows everything. Is it about presence versus absence? Creation against nothingness? Curator: It could also reflect the duality of the self, that constant internal struggle. The artist seems to use color as a conduit for emotional energy, those bold primaries especially evoking raw feelings. It speaks of dynamism but the static white area feels heavy like repressed thoughts maybe? Editor: That's an interesting perspective. I see the formal elements working hard here: thick impasto creating tangible textures, juxtaposed against thinner washes. And the composition—how the spiral pushes against the grid like form fighting structure. But beyond the formal language there’s a real tension in this canvas that grips me. Curator: Indeed, that visual push and pull feels significant. Consider how our brains are wired to seek patterns. The eye wants to complete that spiral but is frustrated by that negative space. What sort of memory do you think Nutiu tried to instill in this geometric setting? Editor: Hard to say conclusively, though maybe an open and direct reference. To make sense of “Spiral”, I think you would almost need the key, because, while it generates plenty of affect, you also want to fully understand it. Curator: Thank you for helping the listeners dissect "Spiral". It gives a rich texture to consider, from form to history. Editor: My pleasure. A stimulating artwork, indeed!