The Night of the Water Searcher 2005

This is Stefan Caltia's painting, "The Night of the Water Searcher." Caltia, born in Romania in 1942, creates a dreamlike image that resonates with the socio-political atmosphere of the time. This picture isn't just a pretty scene. It hints at the unease and uncertainty experienced under the communist regime in Romania. Notice the lone figure, standing on a tiny island in the water. What are they searching for in the dead of night? The moon, a symbol of hope, offers little illumination. The odd triangular object on a platter suggests the absurdity of the times. Is this a criticism of the institutions that claim to guide society? Perhaps the artist is critiquing the political climate. To truly understand this image, we can look at the history of Romanian art and political events during the 20th century. Art history helps us understand how art reflects social context.