We are proud to present the first solo exhibition of Romanian artist Marius Bodea in The Netherlands.

Bodea’s artistic practice delves into the contemplation of existence, questioning its meaning and reflection in the countless nostalgic portraits and compositions with human figures.

His works are sober and unsettling, depicting solitary figures that are seemingly lost in thought. Rarely using pure colour, the artist prefers a cold palette which heightens the sense of anxiety and loneliness expressed in his paintings.

Offering an original perspective on contemporary portraiture, Bodea paints from memory, producing unique compositions that are simultaneously expressive and dreamlike. Emanating curiosity and fascination, they explore the complexities of the human condition and express the artist’s inner conflict between the sense of belonging and the need of differentiation. Reflecting on this dissonance, he abides by a quote found in the writings of American novelist, Cynthia Ozick:

“I remember nothing. I remember everything. I believe everything. I believe nothing”

Marius Bodea (b. 1986, Dumbraveni, Romania) lives and works in Cluj-Napoca. He studied painting at the University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca, where he earned his Bachelor and Master's degree. Recent solo exhibitions include The Rest is Memory, New Now Art Space, Frankfurt, Germany (2021), Out of The Thin Air, Cazul 101, Bucharest, Romania (2021) and Into That Darkness, White Cuib, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (2020).