From the Press Release:
Mihai Vintila is among the leading naïve artists of Romania. His creative and unique touch, together with a whimsical eye and distinct brush, celebrate a very personal narrative, affording us a window into the soul of Romania during the twentieth century. His joyful memories of childhood bring us laughter and cheer; his candid views of daily life bring us warmth and tears. His works comprise a scenic rainbow – reflecting communal life and events in villages and fields and among the common folk.
Vintila was born in 1932 in Caransebes, and, until starting his artistic career at age 47, worked as a veterinarian. His love for animals echoes throughout his artworks, which portray the prevalent role that animal life plays in the Romanian village, farm and field.
Among his townscapes, Vintila depicts heartwarming winter scenes: children skating, sledding, throwing snowballs and building snowmen; trains steaming into the station; villagers ice-fishing and workers struggling to get home. As the seasons change, the viewer witnesses a curious old lady hanging clothes from her window sill and peeking at the town happenings; a stiff officer in full uniform fulfilling his daily duties; and mischievous children being dragged by their parents and grandparents hither and yon, but never letting go of their beloved wooden sled or little dog. Vintila never fails to intrigue us with surprising details – such as a scene of fallen skaters that have had an unexpected rendezvous – while effortlessly maintaining balance in his paintings through stable compositions and clean backgrounds.
When Vintila takes us to the countryside, he showers our eyes with fertile, flourishing fields, golden-yellow stacks of hay, twining grapevines and magnificent skies. Vintila places men, while laboring or resting, in the lap of Mother Nature – working the land and soaking up its endless gifts. In “Harvesting the Wheat”, we see women and men reaping and collecting the crop while surrounded and embraced by the glowing sunflower fields. In “A Summer Idyll”, we witness a serene, intimate moment of a couple resting in a pleasant pasture.
Vintila also explores the vibrant social happenings of the town – both those that take place outdoors (colorful weddings, noisy marketplaces and amusing window-shoppers) as well as those that take place within the four walls of the homes and shops (preparing the evening meal; having a shave). His discerning eye leaves no scene untouched – hard-working waiters, beer-drinking men, playful musicians and carefree lovers. In “The Great Joy”, we savor the scene of a local bar, where the townfolk enjoy live music and a beer among friends. “The Card Players” highlights a card game beneath a kitchen lamp, exposing a player’s cards and worried looks as well as a taut “poker-face” or two.
Baring a passionate curiosity of human nature, Vintila paints a variety of people and portraits – providing a visual stage to characters of special interest. “My Mother” unveils the fine craftwork of an elderly lady, dressed in a matching green scarf and blouse. In “The Grand Violinist”, one can almost hear the melody resonating from the musician’s instrument as well as from the strings of his heart, and clearly attracting the attention of all the neighbors.
Mihai Vintila’s world is inspired by life in all its forms. His themes express seasonal cycles as well as personal growth and renewal. His works offer a humorous, idealized, and refreshingly naive view of human nature – embracing the rhythm of life.
