Sphinx 1987

Nicolae Maniu's 'Sphinx' presents us with a puzzle crafted from symbols of knowledge and concealment. The Sphinx, crowned with what appears to be a modern, foil-like headdress, immediately evokes the ancient guardian of knowledge. Historically, the Sphinx challenges those who seek wisdom, and its presence here speaks to a deeper quest for understanding, a quest that spans across millennia. This motif of the Sphinx finds echoes in the art of the Renaissance, where it symbolizes philosophical inquiry. The layered papers composing the lower part, reminiscent of ancient scrolls, hint at accumulated wisdom, yet also at its fragility. The foil headdress, however, introduces a modern twist. It is as if the artist suggests that in our age, the pursuit of knowledge is both sacred and shielded. The Sphinx's enigmatic gaze, coupled with the deconstructed form, engages our subconscious, inviting us to confront the mysteries of history and identity. This symbol, like a recurring dream, resurfaces, transformed yet familiar.