In the Robescu House, a symbol of the city's rich history
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. It was alive with the energy of creation, where the spirits of art history whispered through the cracks of its timeworn walls.
In the Robescu House, a symbol of the city's rich history, 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 that 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.
