Some artists regard speaking to journalists as a necessary evil, but not Aida Tomescu. The Romanian-born artist, who has been a fixture in the Australian art scene for over four decades, is known for her eloquence and passion for discussing her work. Tomescu’s life and career are as layered and complex as her paintings, which are set to be showcased in her first Sydney exhibition in three years at Fox Jensen Gallery in Alexandria.
Tomescu’s journey to becoming one of Australia’s most respected abstract painters is a testament to her resilience and dedication. Born in Romania, she left the then-Communist country in 1979 at the age of 23. After a year in Greece, where she taught herself English, she moved to Sydney, Australia, thanks to the nomination of a fellow Romanian. “I used to always celebrate the anniversary of my arrival in Australia,” she recalls, highlighting the significance of her new life in a free and sunny country.
The Artistic Journey of Aida Tomescu
Tomescu’s work is characterized by its depth and complexity, qualities that are mirrored in her articulate discussions about art. Her paintings are not merely finished; they “resolve themselves,” she explains, drawing inspiration from a wide array of sources including literature and music. Her upcoming exhibition will feature more than a dozen paintings, including three towering triptychs and several diptychs, marking a significant moment in her career.
Andrew Jensen, co-owner of Fox Jensen Gallery, describes Tomescu’s work as transcending the “vitiating forces of fashion,” emphasizing her deep knowledge and feeling for poetry, literature, and music. With over 40 solo exhibitions to her name, Tomescu’s work is featured in major collections across Australia and internationally. Her large canvases are highly valued, with prices ranging from $100,000 to $300,000.
A Life Dedicated to Art
Despite her significant contributions to the art world, Tomescu remains relatively unknown to the general public. She has won prestigious awards such as the Sulman, the Wynne, and the Dobell prizes, yet she has not published a monograph or had a solo show at a top state or national institution. This may reflect the challenges faced by older artists in a culture that often prioritizes the new, as well as the relative rarity of solo public shows for living Australian artists, particularly abstract ones.
Tomescu’s studio is a sensory experience, filled with the aroma of wet paint and massive canvases covered in vibrant colors. Her artistic process defies easy assumptions; she painstakingly builds her works over many years, constantly seeking connections between them. “The paintings tell her when they’re finished,” she notes, emphasizing the clarity and precision required in her work.
Personal Reflections and Future Prospects
Tomescu’s personal life is as intriguing as her art. She grew up in Romania, where her mother, Ecaterina, played a significant role in her development as an artist. Despite a challenging family background, Tomescu found solace in art, attending art school from a young age and later studying at Bucharest’s Institute of Fine Arts. Her rigorous education laid the foundation for her future work.
Since moving to Australia, Tomescu has continued to evolve as an artist, balancing her dedication to painting with the demands of everyday life. She has successfully lived off her art for over two decades, maintaining high standards and strong principles in her dealings with galleries and collectors. “Relationships end when they dispense with dialogue,” she asserts, highlighting the importance of shared values in her professional relationships.
For Tomescu, life is about the art. “I go from show to show, cycle of painting to cycle of painting,” she says, reflecting on her journey. Her upcoming exhibition, “Messiaen,” will run from November 15 to December 20 at Fox Jensen Gallery, offering a rare opportunity to experience the work of one of Australia’s most revered yet underappreciated artists.
