Contemporary artist David Popa continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression with his latest work, a stunning portrait created entirely from ice. Known for incorporating elements of nature into his pieces, Popa has found a new and challenging medium in this frozen canvas.

The artist’s journey to create this piece was as unpredictable as the elements themselves. Initially planning to work directly on a floating ice floe, Popa’s plans were thwarted by the rapidly melting ice and disappearing pigments. Undeterred, he found a new opportunity in the unexpected: a small, connected island of ice that offered a precarious workspace.

There’s something truly magical about creating art with just a garden sprayer and the frozen Baltic Sea near my home.

This piece is part of my ongoing series, ‘Remnants of the Past’, where I explore the contrast between ancient relics and the ephemeral nature of ice.

David Popa

With only hours before sunset, Popa began his work, knowing that the ice formations and access to the island could vanish at any moment. The artist’s somber male portrait, with its prominent cheekbone, found a natural harmony with the curved outlines of the shattered ice. Lost in a state of deep flow, Popa was surprised by the final result, as the portrait seemed to blend seamlessly with the environment.

Popa’s latest work is a testament to his ability to adapt to the unpredictable nature of his chosen materials. The ephemeral quality of the ice adds a layer of poignancy to the piece, as it serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of both art and life.