Artist
Claudiu Guraliuc
Claudiu Guraliuc (b.1977) is a fine art photographer and educator based in Cluj, Romania. His work specialises in fine art portraiture and nudes, inspired by the aesthetics of Old Master paintings from the Baroque period. Guraliuc holds a Licentiate from the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain, and has achieved numerous international accolades for his work; in January 2022, he received the International Master Photographer of the Year Award. His images have been published by a range of international photography magazines, and his work is found in both private and public collections in Europe, Asia and the United States. Guraliuc is represented by Katsea Art Gallery, Baltimore, and Influx Gallery, London.
Neo-classical Studio Photography
As a studio photographer, I’m constantly inspired by the aesthetics of Old Master paintings, especially from what is commonly referred to as the Baroque period. Their attention to detail, their use of light and shadow, and their ability to capture the human form in a way that’s both realistic and ethereal is something I strive to bring into my photographs.
I am particularly drawn to the way Old Masters were able to convey a sense of depth and three-dimensionality in their paintings, as well as grandeur and drama.I try to recreate this sense in my own photos, by carefully controlling the lighting and composition of my shots. At the same time, I seek to bring a sense of intimacy and emotion to my work, drawing on the traditions of classical portraiture to create images that are both timeless and deeply personal – that speak to the enduring beauty and humanity of the human experience.
Through my work, I hope to bring a sense of classical refinement and sophistication to contemporary photography, while also exploring the timeless themes of beauty, form, and the human condition. Combining the best of the past with the possibilities of the present, I can create images that are both timeless and modern, that will continue to inspire and move generations to come.
In alphabetical order, the five Photo Romania artists for the Futures project this year are: Claudiu Guraliuc, Cristina Gârleșteanu, Hajdu Tamas, Luiza Marinaș and Luciana Vulea.