Creativity is not just a way to express your thoughts and feelings, but also a long, difficult path full of searches, mistakes and discoveries. The artist Aliona Barbey-Tureac, whose works already adorn the collections of patrons and collectors, shares with us her unique creative experience. In this interview, she will speak frankly about her path in art, the difficulties she has faced, and how she finds inspiration for her paintings, overcomes criticism, and helps other artists develop.
Aliona, please tell us about your artistic career. How did you start making art?
My name is Aliona Barbei Tureac, I was born in 1993 in Bender, Transnistria, Moldova. I studied at a Romanian school, despite political difficulties, which taught me to fight for my interests. Since childhood, I have been fond of many activities, including dancing and modeling, but I especially loved drawing. Due to the behavior of her teacher, she did not graduate from art school because she was often left in charge. My parents believed that being an artist meant being left without a piece of bread, but drawing has always been with me. I graduated from the European University of Chisinau with a degree in tourism, worked in fashion, design, and even as a realtor, but later I plunged into art. In 2020, after three years of hard work, I opened my studio ABT ART Studio and held a charity exhibition, raising €4000 to help a girl with a birth defect. Today, I have more than 10 exhibitions in Moldova and Romania, and I am launching a series of video tutorials for aspiring artists. In January 2025, I am planning a personal exhibition with an auction to help those in need.
Your works are very unusual, beautiful and stylish. How did you discover and find your style of painting?
Thank you for your warm feedback on my work! The path to my style was quite long and intuitive. I tried myself in different techniques and directions, constantly exploring new ways of expression. My personal experience and the emotions I experienced played a big role. My art has become a kind of way of exploring inner states and answering questions that arose along the way. I studied a lot with artists whom I considered masters, not only in my country but also abroad, in Russia and the United States. This helped me to integrate different approaches and create something unique. As a result, through experimentation, mistakes and searching, I was able to develop a style that most accurately conveys my inner vision of the world and allows me to share it with others.
You also wrote that you used to participate in competitions and exhibitions. Could you tell us how participation in international exhibitions and competitions has influenced your work and career?
In fact, my journey in participating in competitions is just beginning, and I am only trying myself in this direction. The Global Talent Time competition became a kind of experiment for me, an opportunity to test my abilities and see how my art is perceived in a broader professional context. It is a new experience that allows me to view my art through the prism of competitive spirit and learn the opinions of people from different parts of the world.
How do you approach the creation of a new collection of paintings, and what inspires you to choose themes and subjects?
I always try to approach the creation of my paintings from a state of inner fulfillment and harmony. Art created out of fatigue is rarely able to bring light and inspiration. For me, the creative process is not only about working with paints and canvas, but also about constant interaction with life itself, its people, nature and events, which sometimes say more than words. I am inspired by moments when life reveals its beauty and contradictions. But I firmly believe that no brilliant idea comes from nothing. It comes to someone who is actively looking for it. That's why I never rely on chance alone. In my work, I consciously create a space for searching: I study meanings, write texts, communicate with people of art, observe the world, soaking up its atmosphere. I develop a “surprisedness”, train my aesthetic eye, noticing the details that make the ordinary unique. For me, creativity is not just an act of creation, but a way to understand the world and myself in it more deeply. Each stroke on the canvas is the result of a dialog with life, its secrets and discoveries.
How do you perceive the feedback from viewers and collectors about your work, and which ones have the greatest influence on your work? How do you deal with criticism and how does it influence your creative process?
My harshest critic is my brain and, of course, my husband 🙂 I create art that the viewer understands without any further explanation, on an intuitive level. It seems to speak for itself, finding a response in the souls of those who look at it. I rarely encounter criticism, except from fans of conceptual art or those who prefer forms that are far from the images familiar to the eye. But in the end, it's always a matter of taste, and I respect any opinion. I don't aim to please everyone - it's neither possible nor necessary. My work is a reflection of myself, what I love and what I live for. It is sincerity that I value, because, after all, art created with love will always find its audience.
You said above that you have already had more than 10 exhibitions. Congratulations on a great start to your participation in exhibitions and successful sales of your works. What difficulties did you face in the process of participation? How do you choose works for your exhibitions? How difficult is it to sell a painting in the modern world?
Exhibitions are the most important part of my work. Every year I set a goal to organize at least one or two exhibitions. This not only motivates me to create more, but also allows me to stay productive, discovering new facets of my work. Art created by humans is meant for humans. It has to be shown to be able to reach out to souls, inspire, and arouse emotions. For me, every exhibition is a challenge to myself, a way out of my comfort zone and a step towards my own growth. With each new exposition, I become more experienced, my paintings are stronger, and my voice is louder. Selling works at exhibitions is not a goal, but a pleasant bonus. For me, it's a sign that I'm on the right track, that my paintings resonate, that people want to see them in their space. It inspires me to keep creating. I create from a state of abundance, not lack, and this, I believe, is the foundation of my art. People feel this energy, they go for it. At exhibitions, I try to show the works that inspire me the most, usually my latest series. I work a lot, and I always have something to show.I find particular inspiration in the fact that my art can do good. Charity exhibitions and auctions occupy a special place in my journey.
My big charity exhibition and auction will take place on January 25, 2025. We will raise funds for the education of five talented children from disadvantaged families. These funds will provide them with education for at least a year. For me, this is not just a project, but an important mission - proof that art can change lives and bring good to this world.
Also, you mentioned that you want to launch a series of video tutorials for beginner artists. Tell us more about this project. What inspired you? What age group are they intended for? What topics and techniques do you plan to cover in your lessons?
The online course I plan to launch by early February 2025 will be more like a guide—concise, practical, and accessible for beginner artists or those who just want to try their hand at art. It's for those who want to learn my favorite 'tricks' and secrets that I've gathered over 7 years of daily work and numerous expensive trainings. I feel that it's time to share my experience. Art, for me, is a journey that cannot be completed without trial and error, and experience is my main ally. I don't know where this will lead, but I'm ready to try! This course is not just a way to impart knowledge, but an opportunity to inspire people to be creative, to show that art is accessible to anyone who is ready to open up and start.
Aliona, you mentioned that your husband is your strict critic. How do his opinions and support influence your creativity and professional development?
My husband is a pragmatic person with a mathematical mindset, striving for clear forms and symmetry. For him, completeness is an important principle in everything. I, on the other hand, have a more dreamy nature, sensitive to subtle shades and nuances. Incompleteness for me is a way of working with empty space, which becomes an integral part of the palette. Often, I don't notice what he sees, and in this sense, his perspective complements my creativity. Thanks to his attention to detail and pursuit of perfection, my works gain greater coherence, and I discover new potential within myself.
How do you choose projects and initiatives for charity exhibitions and auctions, and what criteria are most important to you when deciding to support a particular initiative?
I approach the selection of projects for charity exhibitions with attention and awareness of their significance, focusing on the desire to bring real benefit. For the exhibition that will take place on January 25, 2025, I chose an initiative based on the idea of converting the energy of my paintings into a charitable direction. The goal is to support five talented children from disadvantaged families so that they can engage in art on a regular basis for at least one year. I believe this can inspire them and give them a chance to develop, and in the future, we will think about how to continue this support.
The readers and I are very interested in which channels and platforms you consider the most effective for promoting art and attracting new buyers or collectors?
For promoting my art, I primarily use Instagram and TikTok, as well as specialized platforms like Saatchi. Additionally, I have my own website, which also serves this purpose.
What advice would you give to beginner artists who are just starting their journey in the art world and striving to find their unique style?
Firstly, don't be afraid to experiment. Finding your unique style is a process that requires time, patience, and the courage to try new things. Allow yourself to make mistakes, as it is through mistakes that you come to understand what truly resonates with you. Secondly, study the works of other masters, not to copy, but for inspiration. Pay attention to the techniques and methods that attract you and adapt them to your own vision. Thirdly, listen to yourself. Art is a language through which you express your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. The more genuine you are in your self-expression, the more unique your creativity will be. Lastly, surround yourself with people who support your journey. Workshops, exhibitions, and interactions with other artists can provide not only new knowledge but also confidence in yourself. The key is to believe in your art and keep moving forward despite challenges.
