Page 66 - Winter Issue

Laura Candet

Laura Candet, born and raised in the post-communist era of Romania in the early 2000s, creates
fragments of identities often reflecting the constantly changing experience living in the Romanian
cultural society where we live in a constant state of grasping the western culture. Thus, her reflections
on identity distortions and fragments begin with experimenting with oil painting and New Media art.

Contrejour in the woods To the slaughterhouse for the winter
Oil & Pastels on canvas, 40x50cm, 2023 Digital edit, 120x150cm, 2024

Your background is deeply rooted in post-communist Romania—a complex cultural landscape. How has
this shaped the way you approach identity in your work?
Growing up in the post-communist era of Romania in the early 2000s really impacted my art and my views on
childhood. Identity can be shaped by multiple prospects and the cultural identity of today is really shaped by the
childhood of many visual artists of today. In perspective, what truly impacted my art growing up in those particularly
challenging times for a child.
You describe your art as exploring 'fragments of identities' in a society striving toward Western ideals.
Could you share some examples of how you visually depict these fragmented identities?
I think the best way to describe this defragmentation is not how I `depict` it, but how the viewer has no choice but to try
to piece together fragments to create coherent images. Thus, I believe this is also how we form our identity, constantly
grasping new notions and hoping to create a whole piece.
Having worked across both traditional media like oil painting and New Media art, how do you decide
which medium best represents your current ideas and themes?
As a contemporary visual artist, I see mediums as the only tools with which I explore ideas and concepts. I don`t think I
am tied up to any medium, but constantly challenging the boundaries of art. Mixing and matching mediums is only the
beginning of creating art.
In your project Venetian Solitude exhibited in Venice, you touch on themes of isolation and belonging.
How did the setting of Venice influence this series, and how did it connect with your Romanian identity?
Truly, Venice for me was a completely transformatory experience. I was studying there at the Academy of Fine Arts in the
middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, making it only a city of ghosts and memories. From a beloved city known for its
tourism to not a single soul in sight for months at a time. This struck me and I saw Venice as something I believe no one
will ever see again. This project you`re referring to depicts the struggles I have studying in a foreign country and how
much I truly missed home.

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