Rebecca Manzi With “Emergence”, David Popa celebrates the strength and fragility of nature using only charcoal and water and explores the beauty of scars to be reborn
@david_popa_art/Instagram
David Popa is a truly unique artist, renowned for his monumental works created in harmony with nature. Born in the United States and now residing in Finland, Popa draws inspiration from Nordic landscapes, developing an artistic technique that blends traditional skills with environmental awareness. His creations, crafted with natural pigments and biodegradable materials, celebrate the ephemeral beauty of art and the interaction between humans and their environment.
“Emergence”: a portrait between two worlds
One of his latest works, “Emergence”, is a portrait suspended between two worlds, exploring themes of transformation and resilience. Created on an icy islet in the Baltic Sea, this artwork depicts a figure trapped in a liminal space, half-submerged and half-emerging.
The setting itself played a central role in the creative process. The frozen edges of the islet appeared to float between water and sky, providing a perfect backdrop to convey the concept of transition between past and future.
Fading with the first rain or snowfall
Popa used simple tools and organic materials to bring “Emergence” to life. With charcoal and water applied through a common garden sprayer, he created an image evoking a rite of passage—a symbolic baptism. The figure portrayed is wounded, yet its scars signify strength and renewal. This portrait tells a universal story of struggle and rebirth, prompting reflection in all who behold it.
What sets Popa’s art apart is its fleeting beauty. His works are designed to vanish with the first rainfall or snowfall, as he exclusively uses natural pigments derived from minerals and earth. This approach, reminiscent of ancient cave paintings, not only minimizes environmental impact but also highlights the fragility and transience of human existence.
Popa’s creations can only be seen from above, captured through the use of a drone. This elevated perspective underscores the impressive scale of his murals and their intricate integration with the surrounding landscape. The rocks, with their unique forms and textures, serve not only as a canvas for his designs but also as a profound source of inspiration.
