Aiud, 1964
Born in Aiud, Romania, he studied painting at the University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca (1985–1988). He continued at the National University of Arts in Bucharest (1988–1992), and from 1993 to 1997 studied Theology at the West University of Timișoara. He pursued further studies abroad: engraving at the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris (2000); postgraduate painting studies at the Athens School of Fine Arts (1995–1996) and a degree in engraving there (2014). In 2006 he earned a PhD in Fine Arts from Cluj University, and in 2009 a PhD in Art History from the University of Athens. Today he is a full professor at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, Babeș-Bolyai University of Cluj, holding the chair of Religious Art. In 2022 he published ‟Istoria artei din România. Repere din arta religioasă veche şi postbrâncovenească” (History of Art in Romania. Milestones of Old and Post-Brâncoveanu Religious Art). A figurative painter, he divides his artistic output into two major categories: secular and religious. His secular work includes landscapes (of Romania and Greece), portraits, and allegorical compositions centered on the human form. His style draws on French Fauvism and especially German Expressionism; he is also preoccupied with the theme of the Crucifixion, influenced by Francis Bacon. In his religious painting, he combines elements of Byzantine and medieval art. His first solo exhibition was held at the Historical Museum of Aiud (1982). Since then, he has shown his work in solo exhibitions in Romania, Greece, and other countries. His most recent solo show, ‟Testimonies from Greece,” was held at the Museum of Fine Arts in Cluj in 2023. He has also taken part in many group exhibitions in Romania and abroad, and has received numerous awards for his participation in international exhibitions and painting symposia.