Sacha Moldovan American post-impressionist artist Date of Birth: 04.11.1901 Country: USA

1. Biography of Sasha Moldovan
2. Education and Early Career
3. Artistic Development in Paris
4. Later Years and Legacy

Biography of Sasha Moldovan

Sasha Moldovan, an American post-impressionist artist, was born as Solomon (also known as Alyosha and Sasha) Weinstein in Kishinev. His mother ran a tavern in their hometown. In 1914, the family moved to the Lower East Side of Manhattan after immigrating to the United States.

Education and Early Career

After completing high school, Moldovan enrolled in the evening program at the Cooper Union School of Arts while working various odd jobs during the day. In the early 1920s, he acquired American citizenship and officially changed his name from Sol Weinstein to Sasha Moldovan, adopting a diminutive form of his own name and his mother's maiden name. In 1921, Moldovan entered the National Academy of Arts and Design in New York, and the following year, he visited Paris for the first time.

Artistic Development in Paris

In 1924, Moldovan created his first surviving artwork, "Femme Au Verre de Vin" (Woman with a Glass of Wine). After graduating from the National Academy of Arts and Design in 1925, he relocated to Paris, where he spent the next eight years. Moldovan befriended Chaim Soutine and studied at private art schools, including the Académie Julian and the Académie de la Grande Chaumière. He also opened his own studio on Avenue Chatillon. From 1927 onwards, Moldovan participated in group exhibitions such as the VIII Salon de Tuilleries, Société des Artists Indépendants, Galerie de la Renaissance, and the Salon d’Automne in 1927. In 1929, renowned art critic Andre Salmon organized Moldovan's first solo exhibition at the Carmine Gallery.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1933, Sasha Moldovan returned to New York, where he focused on mosaic and mural painting for various public institutions. He continued to participate in exhibitions and opened studios in the Yorkville neighborhood of Manhattan and later in Peekskill, New York. In the early 1970s, he stopped painting, was hospitalized, and spent the remainder of his life in a mental health facility. Though his artistic career was cut short, Moldovan's contributions to the post-impressionist movement and his unique style left a lasting impact on the art world.