As the year 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on the artists who have produced interesting works. Among them is Romanian artist Alexandra Jicol, whose creations are both emotive and thoughtful. Jicol’s childhood in Bucharest, shaped by political oppression and limited freedoms, offered a duality that still influences her work today. Spending her time between the serenity of the mountains and the vibrancy of the city, she cultivated a unique perspective on life. Her early exposure to storytelling and visual media, thanks to her mother’s work in Romanian television, gave her the foundation to develop her distinctive voice as an artist.
Jicol describes herself as a quiet observer and a traveler through life. She approaches art as a way to absorb and share her inner reflections, crafting pieces that resonate on an emotional and spiritual level. Her creations invite viewers to explore themes of longing, balance, and the interplay of light and shadow, each piece an intimate glimpse into her perspective.
AGS shelter me under the white light …or, NOT
Crafted on raw Japanese washi paper from Fukuro Studio, a workshop dedicated to traditional papermaking, this painting speaks to the universal yearning for connection and safety. Measuring 26 x 37.2 inches (67 x 96 cm), the artwork combines acrylic, oil sticks, and water crayons, using the natural texture of the handmade paper to enhance its depth and tactile quality.
The focal point is a round white circle, representing a shield or cocoon for the soul. Within this circle, abstract imagery—a fusion of an eye, a tear, and a fetal shape—reflects the core of being. Surrounding this center, vibrant colors intertwine with curved lines that suggest motion and sensuality.
Two horizontal lines anchor the painting, offering a sense of stability amidst the swirling forms. Hidden throughout are words written like spells, partially obscured to add layers of mystery and intimacy. The interplay of materials and textures creates a dynamic surface that shifts depending on the light, giving the piece a living, evolving quality.
Between Muddy Waters and Blue Skies = Purify
In this work, Jicol explores the soul’s journey through moments of despair and hope. Painted on Japanese calligraphy paper mounted on wood, the piece measures 27 x 69 cm and employs a mix of acrylic, oil sticks, water crayons, and encaustic techniques.
At the heart of the composition lies an eye, suspended between two contrasting realms: murky waters below and clear blue skies above. The eye represents the soul at a crossroads, with its proximity to the skies symbolizing humanity’s inherent pull toward higher aspirations.
A recurring motif in Jicol’s work, the white line, appears here as a shield, offering protection against darkness. In the upper corner, a golden sun rendered in encaustic shines brightly, embodying renewal and spiritual vitality.
The layering in this piece is subtle yet impactful. Some elements are bold and immediate, while others remain faint, revealing themselves only under specific lighting conditions. This shifting visibility mirrors the journey of self-discovery and growth, where clarity emerges gradually.
Alexandra Jicol’s work weaves personal narratives with universal themes. Her use of Japanese washi paper reflects an appreciation for tradition, while her techniques—layering colors, textures, and hidden elements—create pieces that transform with every viewing.
Her art is not about delivering clear answers but about asking profound questions. What does it mean to seek safety in chaos? How do we reconcile light and shadow within ourselves? Through her vibrant, layered compositions, Jicol invites viewers to engage with these questions, offering a space for introspection and connection.
Her ability to capture emotional turbulence while grounding it with stabilizing elements reflects her philosophy: life’s chaos can be navigated with balance, love, and awareness. Jicol’s work lingers in the mind long after the first encounter, leaving impressions of beauty, depth, and a profound understanding of the human condition.
As 2024 fades into memory, Alexandra Jicol’s art reminds us of the power of creativity to reflect and elevate our shared experiences, bridging the personal and the universal with grace and thoughtfulness.
