Aida Tomescu, an artist whose name may not ring a bell for many, stands as one of Australia’s most revered painters. This Romanian-born artist, who has spent the last 45 years in Sydney, is celebrated for her abstract works that transcend the whims of fashion and political trends. As she prepares for her first Sydney exhibition in three years, Tomescu’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and an unwavering dedication to her craft.
Tomescu’s journey began in Romania, a Communist stronghold she left in 1979 at the age of 23. After a brief stay in Greece, where she taught herself English, she arrived in Australia, invited by a fellow Romanian. Her loquaciousness, she explains, stems from the silence she endured for 23 years in her homeland. Now, her eloquence and precise language captivate audiences, much like her paintings.
The Art of Aida Tomescu
Tomescu’s upcoming exhibition at Fox Jensen Gallery in Alexandria marks a significant moment in her career. Featuring more than a dozen paintings, including towering triptychs and diptychs, the show highlights her unique approach to abstract art. Co-owner Andrew Jensen praises Tomescu’s work for transcending contemporary trends and focusing on a deep understanding of poetry, literature, and music.
Over her career, Tomescu has held more than 40 solo exhibitions, with her work featured in major public and private collections across Australia and internationally. Despite her acclaim, her name remains relatively unknown outside art circles. Her paintings, however, command prices between $100,000 and $300,000, a testament to her standing in the art world.
A Life Dedicated to Art
Tomescu’s life story is as compelling as her art. Raised in Romania, she was exposed to art from a young age, studying at Bucharest’s Institute of Fine Arts. Her rigorous education laid the foundation for her meticulous painting process, which involves layering and scraping paint over many years. Despite the emotional intensity her works may suggest, Tomescu insists that clarity, not emotion, is key to her art.
Her personal history, marked by her family’s struggles and her mother’s influence, shaped her artistic journey. Tomescu’s mother, Ecaterina, played a crucial role in her development as an artist, even if unwittingly. After moving to Australia, Tomescu balanced her time between painting, working for the Department of Immigration, and teaching at the National Art School.
The Challenges of Recognition
Despite her success, Tomescu has yet to receive the recognition she deserves from major state or national institutions. This oversight may reflect the challenges faced by older artists in a culture that often prioritizes the new. Additionally, abstract art remains less popular than figurative art in Australia, further complicating her path to widespread acclaim.
Tomescu’s work is deeply personal yet universal, drawing on sources like Messiaen to create pieces with their own identity. Her studio in Rosebery, with its high ceilings and massive canvases, is a testament to her dedication and the influence of her adopted country on her art.
Looking Forward
As Tomescu prepares for her exhibition, she reflects on her journey and the future. Her life revolves around her art, with little regard for past or future. “I go from show to show, cycle of painting to cycle of painting,” she says. Her commitment to her work remains unwavering, driven by the desire to create, not by financial or commercial success.
Tomescu’s exhibition, “Messiaen,” will run from November 15 to December 20 at Fox Jensen Gallery in Alexandria. It promises to be a celebration of her life’s work and a reminder of the profound impact she has had on the Australian art scene.
