Artist Profile John Romi

Artist Biography

Contemporary American-Swedish artist John Romi is the founder of Cuneiformism, a unique style he has been working to hone since 2004. Initially creating figurative canvases, Romi has transitioned to abstract imagery and incorporates calligraphy and logo-syllabic script into his work. Shortly after completing his Master of Science in Engineering, Computer Science, Graphic Arts and Multimedia from the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, Romi began experimenting with the use of Cuneiform within his art.
Alongside some of the foremost scholars in the field, Romi has extensively studied the ancient Mesopotamian script Cuneiform and utilizes correct definitions to spell out words and concepts across his canvases. Romi layers the wedge-shaped Cuneiform characters against a background of pure and bold hues hoping that the beauty and peace of his canvases will allow viewers to escape critical conflict and heal inner wounds. Romi has a unique way of grouping contrasting organic shapes and reinforcing the focal point by employing different textures and a palette knife. This gives his paintings an unusually vibrant color depth and dimension. In addition to focusing on the variety of texture, colors and geometric composition, Romi places great emphasis on how much energy and attraction his canvases produce.

Romi believes in the positive effect of his Cuneiformism canvases. Every artwork is carefully composed to convey a unified theme or perception that underpins the spectacle while allowing the viewers to create their own narrative as they see the artwork.

Romi’s recent exhibitions include the 61st Annual Juried Competition at the Masur Museum of Art. Monroe, LA, Brand New, Treat Gallery, New York City, NY and Natural Elements, Blue Line Arts Gallery, Roseville, CA. In 2023 Romi’s art was featured in; The Art of the Word, Sasse Museum, Upland, CA, Gallery Andrea, Scottsdale, AZ, Sonic Expressions: Art + Music Yavapai College Art Gallery, Prescott, AZ and The Ember and the Rose, Rome International Art Fair with Its Liquid. In 2022, Romi finished the Sotheby’s art business course and held an exhibition at the EA Art Gallery in Pontiac, MI. In 2019, Romi held an exhibition at Mesopotamia Art Gallery in Pontiac, MI.