ion dreptu
1976-2006
This former dissident artist has been exhibited in Germany, New York (Soho), Columbus (Ohio), and Rhode Island (Virginia Lynch Gallery). Born in Transylvania, Romania, he learned independence from the self-reliant mountain people of the surrounding area. A graduate of the School of Art in Bucharest, he had several successful exhibits before the communist government proclaimed his art decadent. This obliged Dreptu to seek other outlets for his talent, which he did by painting frescoes in village churches and by painting on private commission for members of the foreign embassies. His works range from oils, to etchings, to drawings, to sculpture and cover a variety of subjects.
drawings
Abstract Figure
Ink drawing on paper
5”w x 7½”h
Sighisoara
India ink on sepia paper
8”w x 11”h
Street scene from this medieval city
Series of Lithographs
His animal lithographs are reminiscent of Duerer. Victory and Free as Birds reveal a cynicism deriving from the artist’s rejection of hypocrisy.
Free as Birds
1986
Lithograph on heavy paper
20"h x 15”w
Signed by artist
Ostrich
1990
Lithograph on heavy paper,
20”h x 15”w
Done in a style reminiscent of Duerer
Signed by artist
Rhinocerus
1986
Lithograph on heavy paper
12”h x 17”w
Done in a style reminiscent of Duerer
Signed by artist
Rhinocerus (framed)
1986
Lithograph on heavy paper
12”h x 17”w
Done in a style reminiscent of Duerer
Signed by artist
Victory
1990
Lithograph on heavy paper,
20"h x 15”w
Signed by artist
john the baptist
Icon Painting on glass
15” high x 13” wide
The gold painting around the saint adds value to the work.
John the Baptist. This icon on glass was painted by Ion Inocentiu Dreptu, a dissident artist under Romania’s communist regime. During that period, he was also an “underground” painter of icons on glass for Romanians who wanted such items, forbidden by the communist government. The artist had several exhibits in Western Europe and the USA. His works were sold widely to members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Bucharest.
description on back
oil paintings
Interior/Red Screw
1984
Oil on canvas
39”h x 39”w
Frame crafted by the artist
This painting is testimony to the various practices of the Romanian “Securitate”, which spied on everyone.
The Judge
1984
Oil on canvas
30”h x 30”w
Frame crafted by the artist
This painting is also known as The Clown
Well Sweep
1983
Oil on canvas
30”h x 30”w
Frame crafted by the artist
Abstract painting of a typical peasant homestead well