Romania's capital city, Bucharest, displays an elegant past that, after 40 years of communism and corruption, is now reaching levels of decay that may defy renovation. Over the past ten years, I have tried to create a parallel between the image of Princess Brianna Caradja, whose aristocratic family was driven out of Romania by politics, and of the capital city that is crumbling both physically and socially. With my journalistic background, I attempt to mirror the forgotten, ignored grandeur of both the physical and social institutions of my homeland.
Romania's capital city, Bucharest, displays an elegant past that, after 40 years of communism and corruption, is now reaching levels of decay that may defy renovation. Over the past ten years, I have tried to create a parallel between the image of Princess Brianna Caradja, whose aristocratic family was driven out of Romania by politics, and of the capital city that is crumbling both physically and socially. With my journalistic background, I attempt to mirror the forgotten, ignored grandeur of both the physical and social institutions of my homeland.
Romania's capital city, Bucharest, displays an elegant past that, after 40 years of communism and corruption, is now reaching levels of decay that may defy renovation. Over the past ten years, I have tried to create a parallel between the image of Princess Brianna Caradja, whose aristocratic family was driven out of Romania by politics, and of the capital city that is crumbling both physically and socially. With my journalistic background, I attempt to mirror the forgotten, ignored grandeur of both the physical and social institutions of my homeland.
IMPRESSIONS
Urbana series is inspired from the streets of Bucharest were graffiti, urban decay, and art are combined together into a wild, colorful and intentional spirit of joy. It’s a sort of rebellion against the gray, decayed building facades. There is so much to absorb on the streets of Bucharest, with something alive on every single wall. This is how my Urbana series was born. The character of Urbana appeared from nowhere, and wanted to be included in my paintings and photographs. She emerged as a personification of the city landscape. Urbana Revisited was the first work in this series. Her large eyes remind us that she is watching everything. She inspires and protects us. She guides us, as we make our way through her realm of stone, concrete and steel.