Matei Negreanu, a critical figure in the international contemporary glass landscape for the past quarter-century, is characterized by transparency and disruptions. These two elements, these two ideas, embody both his creations and his life. Transparency in ambition, materials, emotions, and perseverance. Family, artistic, political, and emotional disruptions.
The artist boldly defies the allure of glass, showing no particular fascination for it. He simply views it as the building blocks of his aspirations.
Matei Negreanu is a researcher in the art world. Once he reaches the end of a path, he does not dawdle; he moves on to a new one, occasionally returning to refine a technique or a previously acquired invention. This may at times be frustrating, but he never repeats himself. His originality constantly astounds. It is the signature of a true artist.
It only took Matei Negreanu three years to make a name for himself in France, featuring in collective exhibits in the glass art scene. He arrived illegally in 1981 after permanently departing from Ceausescu’s silenced Romania. Clara Scremini, Serge and Jean Lechascinski, Sophie and Gérard Capazza were the first to showcase his personal exhibitions. This was followed by favorable reviews in specialized publications, which eventually led to exposure in national newspapers and on television. The rest of his journey followed suit: Amsterdam, New York, Chicago, Sapporo, Montreal, public collections, museums, and even highly anticipated exhibits such as his painting exhibit in Perth, Australia.
These are the milestones of a now esteemed career, a body of work well-established and esteemed for its consistency and harmony. In the transparency of glass, and going beyond deliberate interruptions.
www.ftn-books.com has one Negreanu title available.
