Andrei Sârbu

Andrei Sarbu (born December 6, 1950, in Chisinau – d. April 14, 2000, in Chisinau) – Romanian painter who contributed to the introduction of a modern approach to painting in the Republic of Moldova. Known for his non-figurative works, Pop Art series and Photorealism.

Between 1963 and 1966 Andrei Sarbu studied at the A.V. Sciusev Art School followed by three years of study at 'Valentin Serov' College in Saint-Petersburg. Due to material hardships he was constrained to abandon his studies. Nevertheless, the artist's stay in Saint-Petersburg gave him the opportunity to familiarize himself with a wider context of modern art. Sarbu pursued his studies in Tallin from 1966 to 1968, followed by his activity in the workshop of the renowned painter Mihail Grecu.

In 1968 Andrei Sarbu exhibited " Geranium from parents' home" at the National Museum of Art in Chisinau and started to work as a designer and painter of theatrical scenery at the "Luceafarul" theater in Chisinau.

In the 1970s, Sarbu embraced the technique of collage, which can be seen in works such as "Clock-1" and "Clock-2". The work "Projection" (1976–77) is a vivid example of the artist's use of the pictorial language of Pop Art. Elements such as cinema tape, sunflowers and quinces became his trademarks and were closely associated with his still lives.

The "Reflexes" series (1987–89) are highly representative of Andrei Sarbu's artistic maturity. The artist's later use of the pictorial language of Op-Art, shows the influence of the French painter Victor Vasarely.

Through the efforts of Marat Ghelman Andrei Sarbu was able to exhibit his works in art galleries in Moscow. The influence of Abstract Expressionism, Suprematism and De Stijl can de detected in his work from this period.

In the 1990s Andrei Sarbu devoted his attention to his native land's history through the series of paintings "Archeology" and the project "Archeo" sponsored by the Soros Foundation Moldova. Traditional themes found a modern pictorial expression in these series. In 1999 Andrei Sarbu was awarded a scholarship for excellence by the same institution.

The artist's deteriorating health prevented him from organising exhibition titled "Anno-Timpuri", which was presented to the public by wife, Antonina Sarbu. Andrei Sarbu died on April 14, 2000 in Chisinau.

Throughout his artistic career, Andrei Sarbu preferred to paint landscapes, still lives and non-figurative compositions. Works from series such as "Quinces", "Apples" and "Sunflower" show the artist's preference for these themes.

Andrei Sarbu is one of the few uncompromising artists from the Republic of Moldova who refused to cooperate with the totalitarian Soviet regime. Although his incorruptibility has profoundly marked his human condition, it brought him recognition from his colleagues. He is undoubtedly one of Moldova's most appreciated modern artists.