Through our artist in residence programme, we have been lucky enough to meet a number of artists who have become firm friends and ambassadors for Guernsey. Our very first artist in residence, back in 2016, was Eugen Gorean from Moldova, whose work is featured in our latest exhibition. We asked Eugen how his connection with the island has influenced his life and art.
David Ummels discovered Eugen’s work in 2011, at an international exhibition in France. He became something of a mentor to the young artist, sending him high quality paper, providing him with introductions and commissioning artworks. When David founded Art for Guernsey in 2016, Eugen simply had to be the first artist in residence. “The basic idea was that I’d come to the island for a few weeks to paint, then return to my studio to create some larger paintings in addition to the plein air works, and then return for a large exhibition,” recalled Eugen. “I’ll be honest, I had no idea what Guernsey was like.”
The island had an immediate impact on Eugen: “My first impression was spectacular, seeing the island from above. Even from the plane I was surprised by the colours, the contrast between the sea and the green of the island.” He quickly got to know Guernsey a little better:
“I was surprised by the extremely narrow roads, and later I found out that some of them are actually two-way roads. I was impressed by the extremely picturesque rocky landscapes, with a tireless relief. I noticed this small port city is extremely active and, last but not least, I discovered beautiful people who are open to new ideas and projects.”
Eugen and his wife Ivanka have returned to Guernsey on a number of occasions, notably for solo exhibitions in 2018 and 2023. We were curious to know whether they see the island in a different way now they know it so well. “Yes, we’ve visited in all seasons, and with experience we can say that our favourite time to visit the island is September-October. Of course we have noticed some changes, new renovations, new shops, which is great to see. I saw that a new art gallery has opened, and they say it’s very good, Art for Guernsey I think it’s called!”
It has been a privilege for the Art for Guernsey team to see how Eugen’s career has progressed over the years. “Of course my art has evolved, and this is natural. I think this was seen in my second solo exhibition in Guernsey,” said Eugen. “I am always in search of new subjects, themes and concepts. I think that my time on the island contributed to this, allowing me to see things from a different angle.”
Cultural diplomacy is close to Eugen’s heart, and the Moldovan government has seen fit to gift his work in the course of building relationships with other nations. In June last year Moldova hosted the European Political Community Summit, attended by 50 leaders of European states, and Eugen was chosen by the President of Moldova to paint 50 artworks in wine as a gift for each delegation. This year, the Embassy of Moldova in New Delhi curated a permanent exhibition of Eugen’s paintings in their headquarters, and even presented a beautiful artwork to the Dalai Lama.
We consider Eugen a friend as well as an ambassador for Art for Guernsey. Eugen said: “I am honoured to be your friend, and even more honoured to be an ambassador for the Art for Guernsey Gallery. I am proud of this and every time I go to international exhibitions this is well defined in my CV, and it always gives me pleasure to tell people about this wonderful island. I really hope to come back soon, always with something new to surprise you.”
