Maria Stoica (b. 1998) lives and works in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. She holds BA and MA degrees from the University of Art and Design, Cluj-Napoca and is currently working towards a PhD at the same university. She has had exhibitions in various galleries and museums, such as Galeria Jecza, Timisoara, Museum of Art, Cluj-Napoca, and Museum of Art, Arad. In 2023 her project ”Nelucruri" won Expo Maraton, 11th edition. In 2024 her solo exhibition "Nested Dreams" was held at the Museum Complex, Arad, Romania.

Stoica creates paintings that challenge ordinary perceptions and invite contemplation. Color plays an essential role in her works, with each shade carefully selected to enhance the atmosphere and emotional resonance of her imaginary spaces. This color sensibility allows her to feel and match colors intuitively. The artist prefers to recreate the world according to her way of seeing it. The works are characterized by sustained attention to detail and by her ability to transform everyday objects into strange and mysterious instances of existence. Stoica creates a bridge between the imaginary and the real, stimulating reflection and introspection.

(Cosmina Buraga)