horse explosion Drawing

Dumitru (Tica) Vonica (1924- 2001), Alin's father, is the author of the works and the artist in the picture (more details at http://dvonicapaintings.com/). It's as if the term "outsider" was created for Tica. A medical doctor with a natural artistic talent, who lived most of his life in Cluj, the unofficial capital of Transylvania, historic province of Romania, he turned resolutely to painting in the early 60s and never looked back. Fortunately, it was 'thaw" time in Eastern Europe, and artists, professional or outsiders, were feverishly exploring new directions, inspired by the West and driven by a long-repressed yearning for freedom. Tica saw art as a purpose in itself, and compromise, whether imposed by government policies, or demanded by the ever changing public taste, was never an option. A self-taught artist, a restless intellectual, he remained devoted to his art as the good 60s turned into the bad 70s, and the dark, cold and hungry 80s of notorious Communist Romania, made worse by the manic depression which devastated the last two decades of his life. Tica created a parallel universe of refined colors, depths, details and bold strokes, appealing to souls yearning for comfort and minds eager for challenge. His work is a living testimony for the lonely fight of a great spirit to defy geopolitical fate and join the Eden of the universal human consciousness. No one making art now can tell if it will still be valued half a century later. Tica Vonica's work has already proved it's lasting appeal. This selection covers the evolution of his abstract art, from early simple and luscious curves in the 60s, to his mature art starting in the late 60s, where color, depth, wealth of detail and bold strokes create a complexity best discovered over repeated visits. A Vonica work in your home or office will be a new experience every day. I am not an art person (I am a biologist), and did not penetrate the world of high art. The main reason why I kept alive the effort to make Tica's work known is the genuine interest shown by people of different walks of life, some true experts, some barely interested in art. These paintings have touched souls, and will continue to do so for centuries. I am the only descendent, and heir, of Tica Vonica. I personally recovered the works, many of which have never been shown to the public before, from the workshop of the artist in Romania, and therefore guarantee their authenticity. Alin Vonica