About

Naive Art

Naive art is an artistic current characterized by the simplicity of forms, a naive vision of the world and an absence of complex techniques found in academic arts. It is distinguished by a deliberate naivety, often reflecting personal visions, full of imagination, color and elementary forms.

Naive art has its origins in the 19th century, with the first naive artists generally being self-taught. A notable example is Henri Rousseau, a French artist who, although lacking a formal art education, gained recognition for his lively works, often inspired by nature and mythology. Also, this current has manifested itself in different corners of the world, from Europe to Latin America and to Africa, in various forms and styles, but with the same fundamental features of simplicity and sincerity in expression.

Today, naive art continues to evolve, integrating into various mediums, including painting, weaving and sculpture, and being appreciated not only for its aesthetics, but also for its simple and profound message. It is valued not only for its naive beauty, but also for its symbolic and emotional value. Although no longer a dominant current in contemporary art, the works of naive artists continue to be highly sought after by collectors and art lovers alike, underscoring the continued relevance of this artistic style in the contemporary cultural landscape. In many cases, modern Naive artists continue to adopt similar styles, combining tradition with contemporary influences, and the movement is officially recognized in many countries with dedicated exhibitions and international events.

Naive art remains an accessible and authentic form of expression, continuing to attract audiences due to its honest simplicity and the unique visual universe it proposes.

Maricela Istrate

Maricela Istrate is an artist from Vaslui known for her contribution in the field of naive art. Through her works, the artist combines folklore traditions with a personal vision, creating works of art full of color and expressiveness. Her style is characterized by a simple but profound approach, which reflects both everyday life and elements of Romanian nature and folklore.

The works of Maricela Istrate have found their place in various museums in the country, as well as in private collections in Romania, France, Holland and Germany.

Style and technique

The art of Maricela Istrate stands out for its precise technique, characterized by clear lines and stylized shapes, but at the same time full of vitality. His works are often loaded with symbols and images inspired by everyday life, rural landscapes and traditional customs of the Moldovan village. It uses a vibrant color palette – from shades of red, yellow and blue to green and orange – to create idyllic and optimistic scenes, but also to reflect the beauty of local traditions.

Also, the style of Maricela Istrate is marked by a sense of naivety and authenticity, which can be found in the way she portrays human figures, animals or elements from nature. The details are often exaggerated, in a way that emphasizes the simplicity and beauty of this ideal world, without the complexity and subtleties of academic techniques.

Themes

The themes addressed in the works of Maricela Istrate are closely related to the traditions and popular customs of her region. She paints scenes from the daily life of peasants, but also rural landscapes with traditional houses, animals, but also traditions or events related to popular holidays. In many of his works, motifs and symbols from Romanian folklore can be found, such as flowers, animals or architectural elements specific to Moldovan villages.

Reception and influence

The art of Maricela Istrate was appreciated not only in Romania, but also internationally, being exhibited in galleries and fairs dedicated to naive art. She is often considered a representative of an authentic current, which continues to preserve and promote Romanian rural traditions and culture, through an accessible and emotional artistic form.

Maricela Istrate managed to pay homage to the traditional style, while maintaining its originality. His art remains a symbol of the close connection between the artist and the rural world, and his works continue to be a tribute to the natural beauty and popular culture of Romania.

Artistic activity

  • 2024: National Exhibition of Naïve Art, Iași – “The Salons of Moldova”.
    • “Art at home”, Vaslui
    • Naive Art Exhibition “Gheorghe Sturza”, Botoșani.
    • Naive Art Exhibition, Pitesti Museum.
    • National Festival of Naive Art, Oradea.
    • Exhibition “Vasluiana”, Vaslui County Museum.
  • 2023: National Exhibition of Naïve Art, Iași – “Saloones Moldovai”.
    • Exhibition “Vasluiana”, Bârlad.
    • Naive Art Exhibition “Gheorghe Sturza”, Botoșani.
    • National Naive Art Festival, Oradea.
    • Naïve Art Exhibition, Târgu Mureș.
    • Naive Art Exhibition, Pitesti Museum.
    • Exhibition “Vasluiana”, Vaslui County Museum.
  • 2022: National Exhibition of Naïve Art, Iași – “Saloons of Moldova”.
    • Naive Art Exhibition “Gheorghe Sturza”, Botoșani.
    • Naive Art Exhibition Pitesti Museum.
    • Exhibition “Vasluiana”, Vaslui County Museum.
  • 2020: National Naive Art Festival, Oradea.
  • 2019: Annual exhibition of painting, graphics, sculpture, Roman.
  • 2011, 2013: French Cultural Center, Iasi.
  • 2004: National Naive Art Exhibition, Cluj-Napoca.
  • 2001, 2002: Naive Art Salon, Bacău.
  • 2001: “First” National Exhibition of Naive Art, Timișoara.
  • 2002 – 2021: National Naive Art Exhibition, Pitesti.
  • 2001: National Exhibition of Naïve Art, Reșita.
  • 1998 – 2013; 2021 – National Exhibition of Naive Art, Iași – “Moldova Salons”, Iași.
  • 1997 – 2013: International Salon of Naive Art, Bucharest.
  • 1981 – 1989: Group exhibitions at the Vaslui County Museum and the Vaslui House of Culture.

Awards

  • 1st Prize – National Naive Art Festival, Oradea, 2024.
  • 1st Prize – National Exhibition of Naïve Art, Iași – “Moldova Salons”, 2022.
  • The “Aurora Năforniță” Award – National Naive Art Exhibition, Iasi, 2021.
  • The award “Dr. Ioana Grigorescu” – National Naive Art Exhibition, Pitesti, 2010.
  • The “Aurora Năforniță” Award – National Naive Art Exhibition, Iasi, 2010.
  • II Prize – National Exhibition of Naïve Art, Iași – “Saloone Moldovei”, Iași, 2008.
  • II Prize – National Naive Art Exhibition, Cluj-Napoca, 2004.

    Editorial appearances
  • “Elective openings”, Valentin Ciucă.
  • Dictionary of naive art, Mircea Vintilă.
  • Encyclopedia “50 years of Naive Art in Romania”, Costel Iftinchi.
  • “From their world…”, Costel Iftinchi.
  • Catalog albums: Bucharest, Cluj, Iasi, Timișoara, Botoșani, Oradea, Târgu-Mureș.