Project Description
Raul Balí
Raul Balí is a Romanian artist born in 1998 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, where he actually lives and works.
They aim through their works to reproduce various hypostases of the individual, creating enigmatic scenes that evoke an idyllic atmosphere. They are often drawn to dreamlike spaces and the individual’s connection with them, exploring how these realms influence the subconscious and, in turn, are shaped by it, with a strong emphasis on chromatic contrasts. Their work also places significant focus on the portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community, both figuratively and through an abundance of symbolic elements.
They frequently introduce their drag queen character, Gazelleh, as a recurring subject within their works, using this persona as a vehicle for expression and narrative exploration. A fluid movement between genres is a defining feature throughout their practice. The interplay between sexuality, life, and the dream constructs a universe unique to the subject. The blurring of boundaries between masculinity and femininity gives rise to an androgynous presence, characterized by both vulnerability and bravery.
Looking toward the future, they aim to further explore drag as an art form and investigate how it can be connected with other techniques such as photography, collage, and installation.
Education
2022 – 2023 – Master’s Degree (Video-game Design), Escuela Superior de Arte y
Diseño de Andalucía
2021 – 2023 – Master’s Degree (Foto-Video), Universitatea de Arta si Design Cluj-
Napoca
2018 – 2021 – Bachelor Degree, Universitatea de Arta si Design Cluj-Napoca
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2026
Festin Vizual
IAGA Contemporary Art, curated by Liviu Bulea, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2023
Raul Balì. Beautifully Grotesque Ballad of Melancholy
IAGA Contemporary Art, curated by Camilla Remondina, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2021
Reach the Eden
Camera Gallery, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2021
We keep dancing, while we try to reach Eden
Insula Gallery, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2021
Reach the Eden
Aluring Gallery, France
2021
Beginning of a century
Camera Gallery, Cluj–Napoca, Romania
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2025
and the night shall be
Caminul Subcultural, Cluj Napoca, Romania
2025
Queer Takeover
Contemporar, Cluj Napoca, Romania
2024
Journey of Love
IAGA Contemporary Art, Cluj Napoca, Romania – curator: Liviu Bulea
2024
Pride Exhibition
Casa Tranzit, Cluj Napoca, Romania
2023
Share, Tag or Dye
Camera, Cluj Napoca, Romania
2022
AnimUS
Turnul Croitorilor, Cluj Napoca, Romania
2022
What are the Queers doing?
Casa Tranzit, Cluj Napoca, Romania
2022
Encounters
Cinema Marasti, Cluj Napoca, Romania
2022
AnimUS
Bastion Croitorilor, Cluj Napoca, Romania
2022
Projects
Centrul de Cultura Urbana, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2021
Close-UP
Centrul de Cultura Urbana, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2021
OpenIris
Calpe Gallery, Timisoara, Romania
2021
Ceci est une expo
Centrul de Interes, Cluj–Napoca, Romania
2021
Istoria Lgbtq+
Atelier Maimaison Gallery, Bucharest, Romania
2021
Meta Form Days
Cosmic House Gallery, Cluj–Napoca, Romania
2021
Recover
Pavilionul Alb, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2019
Close-UP
The night of museums, fosta Casă de Modă (Former Fashion house), Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2019
3.910.000 ha.
Exhibition organized during the project Expo maraton, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
2019
Exhibition at the end of the semester UAD
Photography, Video and PCI department, University of Art and Design, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
PUBLICATIONS
2024
PNPPL Magazine
2024
Grupaj
Issue 03
2023
PNPPL Magazine
2023
Grupaj
Issue 01
2021 – 2023
La Enzina Magazine
2021
Super Market, Artist-run art magazine
ISSUE 11
2021
My Gay Eye
Issue 2021 (OUTDOORS)
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