Victoria Stoian Paints Smetana's 'Moldau' on Gallery Ceiling in Turin
Moldovan artist Victoria Stoian (born 1987 in Chișinău) has created a site-specific ceiling painting titled 'La Moldava' at Peola Simondi gallery in Turin, curated by Francesca Comisso. The work, executed directly on the gallery's ceiling over two weeks, pays homage to Bedřich Smetana's 1874 symphonic poem 'Vltava' (The Moldau), part of his cycle 'Má vlast' (My Homeland). Smetana composed the piece while suffering from tinnitus that eventually led to madness. Stoian's abstract, fluid forms in soft colors evoke the river's journey from two springs in the Bohemian forest to Prague, incorporating layers of childhood memories, war anxieties, identity discourse, and environmental concerns. The exhibition, also titled 'La Moldava,' features additional paintings such as 'Nistru Confines 60 km' (2022–2023), which explore psychological mapping and psychogeography. Stoian's style merges tradition with personal narrative, creating a dialogue with the elegant exhibition space. The show promises a lush artistic spring.
Key facts
- Victoria Stoian created a site-specific ceiling painting at Peola Simondi gallery in Turin.
- The work is titled 'La Moldava' and references Bedřich Smetana's 1874 symphonic poem.
- The painting was executed directly on the ceiling over two weeks.
- The exhibition is curated by Francesca Comisso.
- Stoian was born in Chișinău in 1987.
- Smetana's 'Vltava' is part of the cycle 'Má vlast' and was composed while he suffered from tinnitus.
- The exhibition includes other works like 'Nistru Confines 60 km' (2022–2023).
- Stoian's work incorporates themes of childhood memories, war, identity, and environmental issues.
Entities
Artists
- Victoria Stoian
- Bedřich Smetana
Institutions
- Peola Simondi
Locations
- Turin
- Italy
- Chișinău
- Moldova
- Bohemia
- Prague
- Vltava River
- Elbe River