Woman Reading 

Alexandru Ciucurencu created this oil painting, titled "Woman Reading," using brushstrokes that are thick and textured, giving the painting a tactile quality. The visible brushwork invites us to consider the physical act of painting. Each stroke is a record of the artist's gesture, building up the image layer by layer. Look at how Ciucurencu applied paint generously, almost sculptural, to render the folds of the woman's dress and the surrounding furniture. This isn't about illusionism; it’s about the materiality of paint itself. The way the paint sits on the canvas gives "Woman Reading" a sense of immediacy and presence. Ciucurencu's technique is less about depicting a scene and more about capturing a moment, emphasizing the materiality of the medium. It’s this intense focus on process that elevates the work, challenging the traditional hierarchy between fine art and the skilled application of craft.