Untitled 

This “Untitled” artwork, by Sorin Dumitrescu, is made with traditional materials such as paint on paper. The application is fascinating, with the flat swathes of color emphasizing line and form over a naturalistic depiction. Dumitrescu applied layers of color in a way that imbues the artwork with visual texture. The composition and the use of form is also striking. The hand is rendered in a stylized manner, yet it retains a strong sense of human presence. The choice of materials and the way they are handled can reflect the artist’s personal history, their social and cultural background. Considering the work involved in the production process and the artist’s choices, the painting challenges the traditional distinction between fine art and craft. It reminds us that understanding the materials, making, and context is crucial in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.