In the heart of Galați, Romania, tucked away in a stately interwar building known as the Robescu House, a symbol of the city's rich history, it was already a century old when I first walked through its doors.
Established in 1953, Galați Pupils' Club was a haven for aspiring young artists during a time when creativity was often stifled by the harsh realities of communist Romania. The Robescu House, with its high ceilings and worn wooden floors, stood on Mihai Bravu street as a stark contrast to the world outside — a world defined by grey, square apartment blocks and a pervasive sense of limitation. Inside, however, the air was different. It was alive with the energy of creation, where the spirits of art history whispered through the cracks of its timeworn walls. This is where I first encountered the magic of Orthodox iconography and the grandeur of Michelangelo’s work, and it was here that I exhibited my early paintings in children's expositions. At the time, painting icons felt like touching a sacred tradition, a deep connection to the history and spirituality of Romania. Each brushstroke on the wood panels represented centuries of devotion and craftsmanship, a timeless practice that remained largely untouched by the political regime under which we lived. In a world where change was viewed with suspicion, the act of painting these religious icons was both a personal and cultural rebellion.
As I worked, I found solace in studying Michelangelo’s art. His mastery of form and expression opened my eyes to the possibilities of human creativity, even within the confines of a restrictive society. In those years, I painted not only to hone my craft but to escape into a world where beauty and truth could still flourish.
In a world dominated by cold, industrial aesthetics, there was an undeniable pull toward the comfort of the past, even as we yearned for something new.
A Legacy That Endures
As I reflect on those early days, I am struck by the lasting impact the Robescu House and the Galați Pupils' Club had on me. It was here, within those historical walls, that I first learned to express myself through art, to navigate the delicate balance between tradition and innovation. Even now, as I pursue sustainable art in my professional life, the lessons I learned in Galați — the importance of roots, tradition, and the courage to create in the face of adversity — continue to shape my work.
The Robescu House still stands, 127 years strong, a silent witness to generations of young artists who, like me, found their voice within its walls. And though the world around it has changed dramatically, it remains a symbol of creativity, resilience, and the enduring power of art to transcend time and circumstance.
In the grey world of communist Romania, the bright colors of our paintings were a reminder that, even in the darkest times, art has the power to illuminate and transform.
