Diana Tupilus: Pictorum Art Group

DIANA TUPILUS

© 2022 Pictorum Capitis

Articles and other contributions published in this journal may be reproduced only with special permission from Pictorum Capitis. Pictorum Capitis and the publishers (Vantage Media Limited) accept no responsibility for any views or statements made in the articles and other contributions reproduced from any other source. No responsibility is accepted for the claims in advertisements appearing in this journal and the publishers reserve the right to accept or refuse advertisements at their discretion.

Published by Vantage Media Limited www.vantagemediagroup.co.uk

PICTORUM

Foreword by Matthew Navin

FOUNDER, PICTORUM CAPITIS

The relationship between art and luxury has forever run parallel, interlinking occasionally due to the innate quality and subjectiveness that both hold. Yet, over time, the concept of what constitutes a piece of art or an item of luxury has developed and diversified. Key examples of this shift that we can see lie in the progression of artistic movements; for example, take the transition from the exuberance of the Renaissance period and compare it with the rigidity of the Bauhaus era, or our own increasingly digital art world. All have their place, all are unshaken in the importance they hold to artistic development and ultimately remain integral to where art stands today.

In the modern marketplace, it is hard to ignore the absence of good quality representation, especially for artists in the emerging phase of their careers. What so many lack right now is visibility, funding and a tangible knowledge of how the art world works beyond their individual practice. Through our established relationships, we have procured many relevant eyes and ears in the right places, allowing Pictorum’s support to stretch far beyond the wall space we provide for our artists. We believe if we can assist financially as well as intellectually, it will create a more ethical and inclusive environment for the future.

We at Pictorum are drawn towards change, and actively explore new ways of refining the foundations of the art world on which we now stand. This not only relates to the way we work, but in how we endeavour to apply

our methods to benefit artists, collectors and investors from all walks of life. Rather than following artistic trends already underway, we seek them out in their emerging phase by selecting artists that we are passionate about, and become dedicated to developing their practice.

Diana Tupilus is one such artist. Her works celebrates the diverse beauty of people she has met while living in London, after moving to the UK from Romania. Trained in what she calls the “traditional” way, Diana’s figurative portraits play with shape and colour to create abstract portraits that bridge portraiture and graphic design. Her unique style was the perfect choice for Tempus Magazine’s 10th anniversary cover.

The selection of artworks that hang on display this evening, we know, reflects the varied styles and practices that are gaining increasing recognition in the art world. We have selected these works as we have seen the stylistic development of these artists over the past few years. SYMBLE, Boogie Moli, Célia Agboloto and Stazzy are all entering exciting phases in their careers, and we are thankful to be a part of this process.

The core of Pictorum centres around collaboration, modernisation and creativity. We pride ourselves on establishing longlasting relationships with organisations that share our synergy and ethos. Our partnership with Tempus is a perfect example of this, as they are truly a brand that embodies our values. We look forward to our continued collaboration over many projects to come.

TEMPUS MAGAZINE

Foreword by Michelle Johnson

EDITOR, TEMPUS MAGAZINE

When Tempus Magazine first launched in 2012, digital art was a new concept, tied to the rise of the iPhone and burgeoning social media apps like Instagram and Snapchat. Looking back over 10 years of remarkable and groundbreaking artwork, we can now say with total confidence that digital disruption is no longer a future trend, but the spark that is shaping the very heart of art in this decade.

So, when we first spoke to Pictorum Capitis about collaborating with an emerging digital artist for our 10th anniversary year, we immediately knew it would be a very special project. As we got to know Matthew and his team further, and discovered the enthusiasm and excitement that they pour into their ever-growing portfolio of unique artists, we recognised a passion for new discovery and transformation that matched perfectly with our own editorial ethos.

Luxury lifestyle title Tempus began as a specialist timepiece magazine, growing over the course of its first decade to become London’s voice of luxury; we now work with some of the biggest brands and exciting industry names to dig deeper into the most important and emerging trends within our sector. The digitalisation of art is something that has filled our pages since 2012 and so, when Pictorum introduced us to Romanian-born artist Diana

Tupilus, it was the perfect match.

Diana’s style combines classical painting techniques with abstract style, paint-oncanvas portraits that are digitally transformed to create animated designs full of movement and purpose. Her subjects are often women – a diverse group of personalities and cultures that reflect her London community – expressed through bold colours and shapes that create an impression of life that is both empowered and empowering. As an artist and designer, her determination to curate a small collection for specialist collectors, rather than seek the highs of viral internet fame, is yet another interesting facet to her work and approach.

Her vision for our anniversary cover is a visual anthem for the luxury sector: a portrait painted in rich shades of gold, with details inspired by watch movements that reflect our horological heritage. Yet despite this detail, the refined figure is understated, bold and looking straight ahead, into the future.

Diana’s digital and physical works are available to view as our 10th anniversary cover and on display at the RSA House Vaults, The Royal Society of Arts, during our exclusive birthday event. It is an honour to mark the first 10 years of Tempus with this special event – held in proud partnership with Pictorum Capitis and Sotheby’s Institute of Art – and with you, our esteemed guests.

DIANA TUPILUS

Unveiling a unique digital work for Tempus Magazine’s 10th anniversary special issue dianatupilus.art

Her modern approach to centuries-old symbolism and acute social awareness gives London-based Romanian artist Diana Tupilus a razor-sharp edge. Here, the artist behind Tempus’ exclusive 10th anniversary digital cover talks about wanting to stay niche, painting as a therapeutic tool and mixing the old and the new…

Diana, tell us about designing this original work for Tempus Magazine?

I had the vision of how I wanted it to look right from the start: striking, inspiring, classic. My art has so much detail, so I was careful not to overcomplicate it, as well as researching timepieces and their movements to create a beautiful composition that conveyed motion and elegance.

How did you get started as an artist?

My art journey started in school. I found myself painting as a way to detach myself from how stressful school felt at the time - I found doodling and patterns to be therapeutic. At the same time I discovered graphic design which gave me even more

freedom to experiment and discover new styles and patterns. When I decided to study art at university in London, that’s when other influences came in and I began to develop my own style.

How important is painting to your mental health, and do you still find it therapeutic?

Yes, and this is why I keep painting for myself when I need it. I find it brings me back to the present and makes me feel grounded. My mind is always wandering, but when I paint, because I work on such small details, I always have to be very present and focused. If I don’t paint for three months I can feel that something’s wrong.

How do you approach your incredible abstract portraits?

For me, it’s very important to create a story around the subject matter. When I start painting, I look at the subject and think, okay, what is their emotion? Where are they? What vibe and expressions do I want to add to this painting? So, they’re laughing or screaming, looking to the side and anything in between.

So, your work begins with feelings first?

In art school I did a lot of life drawing and learnt the traditional way of painting. But I was very much in love with more abstract figures. I started to take away elements from realistic portraits to get to the essence of the figure. I then embellish the picture with decorative elements and shapes, which help depict expression or a movement. I’m trying to simplify all the time.

You celebrate a diverse variety of women and cultures in your work...

Yes, I value this a lot. I came to the UK when I was 19 and was suddenly exposed to so much beauty from all around the world. I was amazed to see people from everywhere and I loved the diversity, which I did not have in Romania. I wanted to celebrate it in my art and continue to do so today.

You also digitise your work. Can you tell us about this cross-platform artistry?

I am also a graphic designer and that is a true passion of mine. I love design and use it as a way to expand self-expression and give a different dimension to my artwork. Until last year I worked in fashion, and I did photography as well. I’m very much interested in mixed media. I wanted to learn many skills: animation, graphics, Photoshop and digital art goes hand in hand with what I’m trying to do as an artist.

What or who inspires you the most?

I look at history a lot. Some of my main inspirations come from artists like Hans Holbein the Younger, Klimt, Picasso; artists who really broke boundaries and who went out of their comfort zone. I’m not on social media much, but I’m trying to keep up with what’s happening in the metaverse, with NFTs [Non-Fungible Tokens], and I find it very inspiring.

What are your future goals?

I’m still fairly young in the art world and I prefer to have a quite exclusive audience of people who really get my art, instead of being very popular on social media. I don’t condemn that, but it’s just the way I like to do things. I choose to treat each painting with care, to give it enough time and consideration and to stay true to my vision. I would love to continue to expand my knowledge of different cultures and their decorative motifs and symbolism.

“MY MIND IS ALWAYS WANDERING BUT WHEN I PAINT, BECAUSE I WORK ON SUCH SMALL DETAILS, I HAVE TO BE VERY PRESENT AND FOCUSED”

PICTORUM CAPITIS: ARTIST SHOWCASE

CÉLIA AGBOLOTO

Célia’s powerful art is lush with breadth and expression. Her figures are magnetic and entrancing. Agloboto is part of one of the most famous art movements, Pointillism; home to some of the greatest artists from Camille Pisarro, Matisse and Van Gogh to the more contemporary Peter Doig. The movement was initially known as divisionism and chromoluminarism. It is now an established technique of placing small dots of color in close proximity to each other on a canvas to create a larger image. Célia’s pointillist paintings centre around expressive figures, often women and children in vulnerable states of deep emotion. Pictured right: Akhenaton

SYMBLE

Possessing an immense passion for art, Symble is a selftaught British artist known for his striking style of Pop Art and street art. Born and raised in South London, and hailing from humble beginnings, Symble would spend his time painting cartoon characters while his brothers played football. Symble’s paintings borrow motifs from Jean-Michele Basquiat, and Keith Haring, among other inspirations from fellow artist. His work has achieved international recognition and was exhibited at Art Basel Miami Beach in 2019. Domestically, he also caught the eye of Damien Hirst, one of the UK’s most outstanding contemporary artists and art collectors, who supported Symble by acquiring works by the artist to add to his personal collection. Above: Don’t slip in the rat race against time

STAZZY

Otherwise known as Alexandré LaStazette, Stazzy was born in Larnaca, Cyprus and immigrated to the UK in 1993, living in various parts of London. Art has always captured his gaze as an interest from a very young age, but artmaking as a career seemed more of a dream than a potential reality for Stazzy, until he came back to his practice in his early 20s. Through his art, Stazzy evokes his personality; his concepts, emotions, and the way he sees life are transmitted visually through his paintings. The artist’s typical medium is oil on canvas but he fluctuates between acrylic and mixed media as well, and is adamant to try sculpture at some point in his career. Below: Fat Cats – The Big 5

BOOGIE MOLI

Artist Boogie Moli’s painting style is eclectic yet appealing. His mix of portraiture, graffiti, and oil proves an innovative combination. One of his many influences is street art, which is where he acquired his passion of graffiti. Not only does he paint walls – within establishments, on streets or in galleries – he also paints canvases, wood, and skateboards. Moli’s art practice is not confined to one space or one medium; it is as dynamic as the artist himself. Moli’s first career was as a football player, playing the sport through his teenage and young adult life – and playing for some of the biggest clubs, such as Liverpool FC – before ultimately retiring early due to injuries. Above and right: Fleur de Dance

WITH THANKS TO

We would like to acknowledge the following partners and brands, without whom this event would not have been possible

Pictorum Capitis

An emerging art investment gallery, incubator and patron for contemporary talent. Founded in 2018, our innovative business model is ethically designed to fulfil the objectives of our investors and partnered artists. Through technological expertise and insightful knowledge, our programme intends to disrupt the entry barriers of the art market for the next generation of collectors who want to benefit from art’s intrinsic value and build a meaningful connection with their collection.

pictorum-capitis.co.uk

Tempus Magazine

Independent luxury lifestyle brand Tempus is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its award-nominated print magazine. The quarterly publication is available by subscription, or via distribution across London’s most luxurious hotels, private members’ clubs, spas and major transport lounges. Tempus is also available online through its daily luxury news website tempusmagazine.co.uk , and hosts regular bespoke events that connect a high net worth audience with prestigious partner brands.

tempusmagazine.co.uk

Sotheby’s Institute of Art

For more than 50 years Sotheby’s Institute has been devoted to the study of art and its markets, with programmes in London, New York and online. The Institute offers educational programmes for professionals and students seeking expertise in art business and the global art economy. sothebysinstitute.com

LG Signature

LG SIGNATURE is the first ultra-premium brand across multiple product categories from global innovator LG Electronics. Catering to the most discerning consumers, LG SIGNATURE is designed to provide a state-of-the-art living experience that feels pure, sophisticated and luxurious. Combining the very best of everything LG has to offer, the distinctive LG SIGNATURE products were designed with their true essence in mind – streamlined to focus on each product’s essential function while maintaining LG SIGNATURE’s modern, signature design. Products in the range include the LG SIGNATURE Wine Cellar, the LG SIGNATURE Refrigerator, the LG SIGNATURE OLED R, and the LG SIGNATURE Washer Dryer. lg.com/uk/lg-signature

RSA House Vaults

Beneath the grand event spaces of RSA House, the London headquarters of the Royal Society for Arts, lies the subterranean Vaults. These four interconnecting event spaces feature exposed 18th-century brickwork, and have hosted events such as product launches, fashion shows, exhibitions, to TV and film shoots –including well-known brands, including Yves Saint Laurent, Molton Brown and Penguin Books.

thersa.org

Vantage Media

Creative content and publishing agency Vantage Media enhances the magic of your brand through innovative digital and print media solutions designed to drive value for your business. Our mission is to help you tell your story in the most impactful way possible, specialising in branding, website design, and publishing and editorial services. Vantage is proud to publish award-nominated luxury lifestyle title, Tempus Magazine. vantagemediagroup.co.uk