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Artist Name

Simona Gocan

Born: 1975

Hometown: Phoenix

Based in: Phoenix AZ, USA

Simona Gocan is an American (Romanian born) contemporary abstract artist currently living in Phoenix, Arizona. She received her BFA with honors (1997) from the University of Arts and Design, Cluj, Romania, where she majored in Fine Art Photography. She continued her studies as a recipient of a scholarship for studies in set, costumes and lighting design, at Teatro alla Scala, Milan, Italy (1999-2001).

She has exhibited in numerous solo and group shows nationally and internationally. After living in Europe, the Middle East and South America, Simona moved to the U.S in 2014.
Her work includes paintings, drawings, ceramics and textiles.

She finds inspiration in nature, which she reconstructs either by memory or by combining pictures she takes in her travels. Her work sits somewhere between figuration and abstraction and rather than representing reality, she use her imagination and emotions to recreate it in a gestural manner. She is also influenced by minimalist sculpture, land art, architecture, design and cinematography.

Artwork

October Mood

Simona Gocan, United States of America

Painting

US$ 1,200

Artwork

Sunset in the Desert 1

Simona Gocan, United States of America

Painting

US$ 1,050

Artwork

Silent Desert #1

Simona Gocan, United States of America

Painting

US$ 890

Artwork

Reconnect

Simona Gocan, United States of America

Painting

US$ 1,390

Artwork

Deep Shadows

Simona Gocan, United States of America

Painting

US$ 770

Artwork

Poetry in Blue and Copper

Simona Gocan, United States of America

Painting

US$ 750

Simona Gocan In The Studio

main image

More About Simona Gocan

Question Icon What inspires you?

I have always been interested in nature, which lately became the major subject for further exploration. I observe the images around me and utilize my subjective perception to create abstract landscapes. Most of these abstracts are based on memories and impressions from the scenery of my world travels.

Question Icon Describe your creative process.

My process starts with photographing anything that I find of interest, mostly when I travel. Most of the times I begin by sketching ideas for future work, although very often I simply start directly on canvas allowing my hand to be guided by intuition and establishing the composition with an automatic drawing process, creating the shapes and construction lines instinctively. I believe I get the best results when I don’t overthink and/or overwork an image.

Question Icon What are 3 words that best describe your work?

Colorful, Expressive, Abstract

Question Icon Who are some artists that have influenced your work?

Pierre Bonnard, Joaquín Sorolla, Nicolas De Stäel, Serge Poliakoff, Franz Kline, Pierre Soulage, Edvard Munch

Question Icon What is the most important tool when creating your work?

Paints.

Question Icon What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Follow your instincts.

Question Icon Where do you go for inspiration?

In the studio (“Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working.” —Pablo Picasso ).

Credentials

Education

Teatro alla Scala, Milan, Italy. Received scholarship for studies in Set, Costume and Lighting Design

Italy, 2001

University of Art & Design, Cluj-Napoca. BFA in Fine Art Photography

Romania, 1997

Awards

‘Collage Obsession’, University of West, Timisoara, Romania

2021

Strabag, International Art Award, Wien, Austria. Nominee

2014

Exhibitions

Big Ideas: Small Works, The Shemer Art Center, Scottsdale, AZ

United States of America, 2023

‘Abstracts and Colors’, presented by TurningArt (Boston, USA) on Artsy.com

United States of America, 2022

‘The Other Art Fair LA’ (Saatchi Art), Barker Hangar, Santa Monica, USA (juried)

United States of America, 2021

‘Collage Obsession - International Collage Biennial’, first edition, University of West, Timisoara, Romania (juried)

Romania, 2021

‘Abstract’, The Capsule Collection, {9} The Gallery, Phoenix AZ, USA (juried)

United States of America, 2020

‘Salon Forty Eight’, Artlink Gallery, Park Central, Phoenix, USA (juried)

United States of America, 2020

‘7th International Pastel Biennial’, Galeria Sztuki Współczesnej BWA SOKÓŁ, Poland (juried)

Poland, 2019

2018 ‘Romanian Graphic Arts’, the 7th edition, Caminul Artei Gallery, Bucharest, Romania, (juried)

Romania, 2018

‘Unity Through States of Being’, Modified Arts, Phoenix, AZ, USA, (juried)

United States of America, 2017

‘Infinite Possibility: Art of Tomorrow’, Tilt Gallery, Scottsdale AZ, USA, (juried)

United States of America, 2016

Sculpture & Painting Annual Salon, U.A.P. Galleries and The Museum of Art, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, (juried)

Romania, 2014

'Pares', Artium Gallery, Santiago, Chile

Chile, 2012

'Salon pe balcon' (1st Edition Art Fair), The Museum of Art, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, (juried)

Romania, 2012

'Drawing Connections', Siena Art Institute, Italy

Italy, 2011

‘Viewpoints’, Romanian Institute of Culture and Humanistic Research, Venice, Italy (Solo)

Italy, 2006

‘Avanzando...Regredendo’, Palazzo Pretorio, Volterra and Romanian Institute of Culture and Humanistic Research, Venice, Italy

Italy, 2002

Press

Canvas Rebel

2024

VoyagePhoenix

2018

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