Dot Cactus (2020) Painting by Dominic Virtosu

Dominic-Petru Virtosu, born in Bucharest, Romania, in 1983, is a contemporary artist whose journey reflects a commitment to artistic excellence and a fusion of diverse influences. His formal artistic education commenced with a Bachelor's degree in painting in 2006, under the guidance of the renowned Romanian artist Florin Ciubotaru. He further honed his skills with a Master's degree in 2013, studying under Professor Catalin Balescu at the Bucharest National University of Arts. As part of his academic journey, Virtosu also spent a transformative semester as an Erasmus exchange student at the esteemed Hochschule fur Grafik und Buchkunst in Leipzig, where Professor Annette Schroter left an indelible mark on his understanding of style and color.

Despite a decade of employment in Romania's tourism and audio-visual industry, he continued to evolve as an artist. The works created between 2009 and 2013, during his tenure at the largest private television conglomerate in Romania, bear witness to his dedication to questioning societal norms and consumerist tendencies.

Post-2013, Virtosu's focus shifted towards reconciling the paradox between image representation and pure painting, a critical juncture in his artistic development. His distinctive style emerged from the synthesis of these two directions, resulting in an organic and vibrant blend where color and subject matter seamlessly converge, producing exceptionally powerful images. Each work becomes a unique journey, demanding its own technical solutions, as plein-air and fantastical works harmoniously unite under a unified stylistic approach.

Dominic-Petru Virtosu's French heritage has played a significant role in shaping his artistic sensibilities. His periodic sojourns to Paris during his formative years provided access to the city's most influential museums and exhibitions, sparking his curiosity and refining his artistic perspective. His French legacy and fluency in the language facilitated his enrollment at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts de Tourcoing in France, where he pursued art-teaching studies from 2017 to 2018. Subsequently, he transitioned into the role of a painting professor at the same institution, a position he continues to hold with distinction.

Virtosu's journey is characterized by a synthesis of diverse influences, disciplined craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to artistic exploration. His unique approach to merging representation and abstraction, coupled with a rich cultural heritage, positions him as a notable figure in the contemporary art landscape.

• Nationality: ROMANIA
• Date of birth : 1983
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Romanian Contemporary Artists

The Artist was highlighted in an article in Artmajeur Magazine:

Dominic Virtosu, large format canvases