Untitled (from the Amerim series) 1997

Vasile Dobrian created this untitled print, part of the ‘Amerim’ series, at the end of his life. Born in Romania, Dobrian's life spanned some of the most turbulent years of the 20th century. Experiencing two world wars and the rise and fall of communist regimes. This print, with its careful arrangement of geometric forms, embodies a sense of order and balance. It’s almost a sense of reclaiming control amidst the chaos of history. Consider the title ‘Amerim’ and the artist's signature in what appears to be Cyrillic script. These markings suggest a complex negotiation of identity. It makes me wonder, was Dobrian reflecting on his European heritage? Perhaps he was also contemplating the allure of the ‘new world’ and the promises of modernism? Ultimately, this work serves as a poignant meditation on the search for stability. It reflects the negotiation of identity in a world characterized by constant change. It invites us to consider our own place within these shifting landscapes.