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The

Artist

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Photographer

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Visual Artist

Natalia Ciobanu

Nominated in
2025
By
Photo Romania Festival
Lives and Works in
Cluj-Napoca
My name is Natalia Ciobanu, and I have been a photographer for over 18 years, focusing on portraits and travel photography. Through my lens, I seek to discover the essence of people, their souls, and the depth that defines them. Color is my greatest passion—it is my way of expressing emotion and giving life to my images. Throughout my career, I have participated in numerous collective and solo exhibitions in Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine, sharing my vision with audiences across these regions. My work has been recognized internationally, earning me awards such as Gold Winner at the London Photography Awards, Finalist in the Smithsonian Contest, and accolades at the Nikon Photo Contest and Trierenberg Super Circuit. For me, photography is more than capturing moments—it's about telling stories, connecting with people, and celebrating the beauty of the world in all its diversity. Every photograph I create is an exploration of humanity and a tribute to the colors that define our lives.
Projects
2021

Between Color and Expression

"Between Color and Expression" is a photographic project dedicated to exploring the depth of human emotions and the diversity of inner states, as reflected in authentic portraits. Through this project, I aim to capture more than just images: I seek to unveil the hidden stories behind each gaze, the vulnerability, strength, and uniqueness of every individual. Each portrait is an invitation to introspection, a window into the human soul. Color plays a vital role, becoming a universal language through which I convey complex emotions—joy, melancholy, serenity, or turmoil. The vibrant or subtle tones not only complement the expressions but create a visual harmony that amplifies the message of each image. This project is a celebration of humanity, of the contrasts and nuances that define people. Every face photographed carries a unique story, and through "Between Color and Expression," I aim to offer viewers the opportunity to reflect on their own states and emotions, finding fragments of their lives mirrored in the captured moments.
Show full project
2021

Between Color and Expression

"Between Color and Expression" is a photographic project dedicated to exploring the depth of human emotions and the diversity of inner states, as reflected in authentic portraits. Through this project, I aim to capture more than just images: I seek to unveil the hidden stories behind each gaze, the vulnerability, strength, and uniqueness of every individual. Each portrait is an invitation to introspection, a window into the human soul. Color plays a vital role, becoming a universal language through which I convey complex emotions—joy, melancholy, serenity, or turmoil. The vibrant or subtle tones not only complement the expressions but create a visual harmony that amplifies the message of each image. This project is a celebration of humanity, of the contrasts and nuances that define people. Every face photographed carries a unique story, and through "Between Color and Expression," I aim to offer viewers the opportunity to reflect on their own states and emotions, finding fragments of their lives mirrored in the captured moments.
Show full project
Natalia Ciobanu
was nominated by
Photo Romania Festival
in
2025
Show all projects
Each year every member of the FUTURES European Photography Platform nominates a set of artists and projects to become part of the FUTURES network.
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