Artist Roman Tolici unveils New Hope at Chisinau museum
Following a multi-city tour across Romania—including Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu, Timisoara, and Tulcea—renowned painter Roman Tolici has brought his latest exhibition to Chisinau. Hosted by the National Museum of Art of Moldova, "New Hope" marks the artist’s second solo exhibition in the capital, coming 12 years after his landmark project "Ceremonies."
The exhibition offers a profound reflection on humanity and contemporary existential anxieties. Stark industrial remnants—felled tree trunks, decommissioned vehicles, abandoned machinery, and massive tires—contrast sharply with delicate human silhouettes and butterflies, presenting Tolici's visual meditation on resilience.
A fusion of realism and surrealism
Prominent Moldovan writer Emilian Galaicu-Paun noted that Tolici operates as an exceptionally intelligent civilizing artist. He emphasized that the canvases contain hidden sculptures and historical references, pairing technical mastery with deep cultural memory. Digital creator Sergiu Kliuchnikoff also praised the artist's visible evolution over time.
According to Tolici, the series occupies a meta-future where past, present, and future collapse. In this envisioned era, current global tragedies have long passed, and a new generation of miniature humans visits these historical remnants almost as tourists, embodying reborn hope.
A meaningful homecoming
Art critic Stefania Dobrescu highlighted that the tour sparked vital conversations across cities about navigating increasingly complex times. Tudor Zbarnea, Director of the National Museum of Art of Moldova, framed Tolici's work within photorealism, praising his acute surrealist sensibility and distinct poetic voice.
Born in Ghetlova, Republic of Moldova, Tolici trained in Bucharest, where he established himself as one of Romania's most acclaimed contemporary painters. He described returning to his native country as an essential homecoming.
The "New Hope" exhibition remains open to the public at the National Museum of Art of Moldova until September 20.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
