Alexandru Savu – Planets with Human Beings, De Alexandru Savu

The work presents a densely populated landscape rendered in vibrant, saturated colors. The composition is divided into two distinct registers, separated by a central vertical axis that acts as both a structural and thematic divider. Both sections are filled with figures engaged in various activities within an idyllic rural setting.
Here we see a stylized depiction of human life intertwined with animal forms and natural elements. Figures appear to be performing everyday tasks: harvesting grain, tending livestock (primarily cattle and goats), carrying baskets, and engaging in what appears to be celebratory or ritualistic actions. The figures are rendered in a simplified, almost childlike style, lacking detailed anatomical accuracy but possessing a certain expressive quality through their gestures and postures.
The color palette is dominated by yellows, oranges, reds, and blues, creating an atmosphere of warmth and abundance. The background features stylized trees with abundant foliage and flowers, suggesting fertility and growth. Houses are depicted as simple structures with red-tiled roofs, integrated seamlessly into the landscape. A recurring motif involves figures interacting with or riding animals, blurring the boundaries between human and animal realms.
The upper register displays a scene of what seems to be a harvest celebration. A figure stands prominently holding a scythe, while others carry baskets filled with grain. In the distance, another figure appears to be lighting a fire atop a structure, possibly symbolizing prosperity or offering. The lower register mirrors this activity but introduces a slightly different dynamic – figures appear more engaged in communal activities and interactions.
Subtexts within the work suggest themes of community, tradition, and harmony between humans and nature. The repetitive actions and stylized forms evoke a sense of timelessness and cyclical existence. The abundance of life depicted – both human and animal – implies prosperity and well-being. However, the slightly unsettling quality of the figures’ expressions and the overall density of the composition also hint at underlying tensions or anxieties within this seemingly utopian world. The deliberate flattening of perspective and lack of depth contribute to a dreamlike, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
The artists signature appears in both registers, suggesting an intentional mirroring of themes and activities across the divided landscape. Overall, the work conveys a sense of folk tradition and rural life imbued with symbolic meaning, inviting contemplation on the relationship between humanity, nature, and community.