Wondering where I disappeared to?
For the past two weeks, I’ve been wandering the streets of my beautiful hometown, Iași, jet-lagged and diving deep into a bag of old memories.
The city’s heart, where old buildings come together in a strange yet beautiful harmony, was the playground of my childhood – a place I rediscover every time I visit.
Piața Unirii: Hotel Traian (French neoclassical style build on a metal structure) on the left and Hotel Unirea (socialist modernist inspired by the international style) on the right
Bulevardul Ștefan Cel Mare (Arcu and Cuza Vodă intersection): art nouveau style building on the left (prior to WWI), Stalinist style building on the far right and modern style from the 60’s on the right
What fascinated me most this time were the facades of these buildings. Once clean and bare, they now appear decayed, raw, and unfinished. Over the past 34 years, they have been repeatedly covered in graffiti, with each layer telling the stories of past and present generations.
What warmed my heart was seeing the layer of graffiti filled with messages of love and encouragement.
Cinema Republica (Maxim Gorki) – now Trianon, a theatre venue built in the 20’s in Neo-Gothic style, transformed into a modernist style in the 60’s, covered in graffiti.
“Știi că nu o să te las niciodată” (You know that I will never leave you).
A modernist style building from the early 90’s featuring graffiti text, reflecting Banu Church, where I was baptized.
“Tu ai să reușești” (You will succeed).
My brother, contemplating the window of one of my father’s favorite stores, which sells porcelain and crystal items. Next to it, a wall covered in red graffiti text.
“Tu ai să reușești” (You will succeed).
I meant to dedicate this post to my father, who was born on September 1st. He died too early, yet his life was a success.
Sadly, while I was away, two remarkable people left us behind: Charles Haupt and Elisabeth Samuels. Two people whom I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know here in Buffalo. While Charles and his wife Irene were two of my big art supporters, Elisabeth hosted a solo exhibition of my work “Awaiting Your Arrival” at her Indigo Art gallery.
While writing my post, it dawned on me how both Charles and Elisabeth lived life on their own terms. Pursuing what they loved most, just like my father, they both succeeded. To honor their memory, I dedicate this post to them as well.
And if you ever want to visit my city or are curious to learn more about it, check out Turist in the city of Iași.