10 Questions with Claudiu Anica - Quantum Void Studios

Quantum Void Studios is the artistic identity of a Romanian-born digital abstract expressionist who channels intense emotional states into bold, spontaneous digital compositions. Working primarily in Corel Painter, he explores subconscious movement, controlled chaos, and the visual weight of inner conflict. Without formal training, his work emerges instinctively, raw, visceral, and unconcerned with perfection. Each piece is a visual exhale: a release of what cannot be said in words.

@quantum_void_studios_qvs

ARTIST STATEMENT

“I never intended to become an artist. I didn’t train for this, I didn’t plan it. But something in me needed to come out, not through words, but through colour, through motion, through instinct. I started creating as a form of release. What emerged was unexpected: not design, not decoration, but raw emotion fractured across digital space. What I do is not always clean or balanced. It’s often chaotic, heavy, sometimes even hard to look at, because that’s how it feels inside before it’s released.”

My work is a conversation between suppression and eruption. It explores tension, internal conflict, and moments of peace that flicker in the storm. I don’t paint with a plan. I paint with a pulse. Every mark is subconscious, every layer unresolved until it settles into something that feels true. Each piece is a moment in emotional architecture, built, broken, and rebuilt on screen.”

I don’t want viewers to “understand” my work. I want them to recognise something they can’t quite name. Because that’s how it feels when I make it, like remembering something I’ve never said out loud.”

— Claudiu Anica - Quantum Void Studios

Suffocation, Digital, 2484x1200 px, Printable, 60x90 cm, 2024 © Claudiu Anica

INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. Who are you, and how did you start experimenting with images?

I'm an abstract expressionist artist working under the name Quantum Void Studios. My artistic journey began as a way to express emotions and thoughts that I couldn't easily put into words. Creating art turned out to be better than any therapy—it allowed me to release feelings I didn't even realize were there and to better understand what I was experiencing internally. Through this process, I've learned more about how my mind works, and art has become a powerful tool for self-reflection and discovery.
I never thought I had this artistic side, so the fact that my work is appreciated by curators has been an exciting and uplifting experience, as well as an amazingly pleasant surprise. I was drawn to visual expression because it gave me a wayto externalize feelings that felt elusive or overwhelming. Experimenting with images became a natural progression as I sought a medium where I could explore the complexities of my inner world—fluid, chaotic, and unrestricted by form. Digital art provided the flexibility to work freely, allowing my intuition to guide each piece, leading to a deeper and more authentic connection with my subconscious.

What led you to pursue a career as an abstract expressionist artist?

Abstract expressionism felt like a natural fit for me because it allows for spontaneous, unfiltered expression. My work isn't bound by the constraints of realism or structure, and that freedom is essential for conveying the emotions I explore. The unpredictability of the process mirrors the unpredictability of the emotions I feel, which makes abstract expressionism the perfect medium for me.
As I continued to experiment, I realized that this approach to art connected me deeply with my subconscious, allowing me to express personal struggles that I had difficulty verbalizing. Over time, I noticed that others responded to my work on an emotional, almost visceral level, which reinforced my belief that art has the power to communicate what words cannot. Pursuing this path felt less like a choice and more like an inevitability—I needed to create in this way, not just for myself, but because it resonates with others in ways I couldn't have anticipated.

What does working under the name 'Quantum Void Studios' represent for you as an artist?

The name Quantum Void Studios represents the space where my art is born—the intangible, chaotic void where thoughts, emotions, and energies come together. It's a name that symbolizes the balance between the vastness of the unknown and the creative process of bringing something tangible into existence. By working under this name, I separate myself from the conventional identity of an individual artist, allowing the work itself to take on a life of its own. It also aligns with my fascination with the abstract and the unseen forces that shape our reality, both emotionally and physically.

You define your process as "spontaneous action painting." How do you approach a new piece, and what does the process feel like for you?

When I start a new piece, I let go of any expectations or specific outcomes. I approach the canvas—whether digital or imagined—with a sense of openness, allowing whatever needs to come out to do so. My process is driven by emotion, not logic. It often feels like an intense flow of energy, where I'm not fully in control of the outcome, but instead, I'm channeling what I feel in that moment. Each stroke is impulsive, dictated by my subconscious rather than careful planning. This creates a dynamic where the piece feels alive, evolving as I work through it, sometimes in directions I couldn't have predicted. The process itself is liberating and immersive, like entering into a creative void.

Your work explores themes like entrapment, rage, and inner conflict. How do these emotions influence your creative process? And how do you balance raw emotion with artistic technique in your work?

These emotions are the driving force behind my creative process. When I feel entrapped or conflicted, creating art becomes a way to externalize those feelings. The intensity of rage or inner conflict translates directly into the energy of my brushstrokes or digital patterns. My work is not guided by technique or formal training—it's purely instinctual. I let the emotions dictate the flow, and I respond to what's happening on the canvas without overthinking it.
There's a tension between letting go and sensing when a piece has found its form. It's not about consciously managing the chaos but allowing it to shape itself until it feels complete. I don't force balance—sometimes it just emerges, and other times, the rawness remains, which is exactly what I want to convey. The process is about expressing and releasing the emotion, not controlling it.

How do you want viewers to feel or react when they encounter your compositions?

I want viewers to immerse themselves fully in my work, free from any preconceived ideas or expectations. My goal is not to guide their feelings or push them toward a specific emotion but rather to create a space where they can empty their minds and allow their subconscious to take over. Just as my subconscious drives the creation of my art, I hope theirs will drive their interpretation. Whether they feel curiosity, connection, or something entirely personal, what matters to me is that they engage with the piece on their own terms. Each viewer should have their own unique experience, as my work is meant to be felt rather than intellectually analyzed.

Locked, Digital, 2484x1200 px, Printable, 60x90 cm, 2024 © Claudiu Anica

September, Digital, 2484x1200 px, Printable, 60x90 cm, 2024 © Claudiu Anica

Do you find the process of painting to be cathartic or a form of release for your own emotions?

Absolutely. Painting is my form of catharsis—it's where I can release the emotions that are too overwhelming or complex to verbalize. The act of creating becomes a way to process what I'm feeling, and the spontaneous nature of my work reflects that. Every piece is an outpouring of emotion, and by the time it's done, I often feel a sense of relief or clarity.It's a personal, almost meditative process that allows me to move through whatever is weighing on me.

How do you decide when a piece is finished, given that your work is unfiltered and spontaneous?

Deciding when a piece is finished is one of the most instinctual parts of my process. There's no clear-cut moment or criteria—it's more of a feeling. I stop when it feels right when the energy of the piece matches the intensity or calm that I'm trying to express. Sometimes, it happens quickly, and other times, it's a slower process where I revisit the piece multiple times. I know it's done when I no longer feel the need to add or change anything when the emotion I wanted to capture is fully realized on the canvas.

Abyss, Digital, 1320x707 px, Printable, 60x90 cm, 2024 © Claudiu Anica

Your work has been exhibited internationally. How have audiences from different cultures responded to your art?

I've found that the emotional core of my work tends to resonate across cultural boundaries. Emotions like conflict, rage, and inner struggle are universal, and I think that's why my work has found a connection with audiences internationally. Of course, different cultures might interpret certain visual elements differently, but the raw emotional energy seems to translate regardless. Some viewers have told me they feel a deep sense of catharsis or empathy, while others find the chaos unsettling, but I welcome both responses. The diversity in interpretation only enriches the dialogue my work creates.

Lastly, how do you see your work evolving in the future? Are there any new themes or ideas you're excited to explore?

I'm always open to where my process takes me, but I feel drawn toward exploring themes of peace and resolution in contrast to the chaos I've focused on so far. While my work is often about struggle and conflict, I've also started to feel the need to explore moments of calm that emerge from the turmoil. I'm also interested in incorporating more digital experimentation, perhaps blending my work with new technologies like augmented reality to push the boundaries of how art can be experienced. The future feels wide open, and I'm excited to see where it takes me.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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