Art down the artist's street | Bucharest Street Art

I've been meaning to take out the camera for forever, and with a satisfying morning's work under my belt, today I finally hopped on the bus down-town. It's still that in-between period where most of the world is free of work and other commitments, and there's a general air of holiday and merry-making about.

For once, I knew exactly where I wanted to go, and what to point the damn thing at, which isn't always the case. See, there's this street, right in the centre of Bucharest, named for a Romanian painter of the 19th century, which is always full of interesting street art.

Personally, I love the fact that it's named for an artist and such a haven for artists today, there's just something wonderfully poetic about that.

Arthur Verona, the artist the street is named after, was known mostly for his traditional, folk-oriented landscapes and portraits. His post-classical works are largely held in private collections today, though many can be found across various art museums in the country.

Two Girls by Arthur Verona

Mind you, much of the art we see today down A. Verona Street is a tad more modern, though can hardly be described under a single artistic tutelage. Rather, the whole street (and it's a pretty long street) is one huge mish-mash of different styles. Some of the work is painted, others are stickers or sprayed-on (not sure of the name in English).

And while many of the classic, childish scribbles can be found, there's a lot of actual art. While street art is a thing in other parts of Europe, here in Romania, a lot of young kids consider themselves street artists simply because they buy some cheap spray cans and design their own wobbly signature to smear across town.

Look to the heavens, angel. This one really spoke to me, against the background of the clear blue sky. Probably wouldn't have been such a terrific walk if it wasn't for the weather. But it reminded me of someone dear to me that I haven't spoken to in a while. I hope she's looking towards the heavens, too.

Time for some monkey business. Always. Monkeying around -- an omen for 2024, or merely happenstance, as I love monkeys? Only time will tell.

Sometimes I think you need street art more than museum art, even. While I love museums, who has time? With street art, you don't need to go out of your way or make time (as if you really could make time). You can just walk along your merry way, and be greeted by a smidge of color, a drop of shine in a perhaps not-too-sunny day.

And isn't that the point of art?

Go boldly like a unicorn or not at all. That one's definitely a sign for 2024. Except, of course, I don't believe in signs. I do believe you can make your own. I think sometimes, you can sort of look at things like street art or book quotes, or other random things, and pluck a sign you've been waiting for from inside your head, and plant it there. And I think it has pretty much the same effect.

I keep seeing this babushka passing down the street, and she feels like such a complete character. I used to think she was a nun, but maybe that just says something about my opinion of nuns. :)

Okay, that's another unicorn. That's got to be a sign, right? This one's a spin on a sweet little Romanian saying, "Fa rai din ce ai", which literally translates to "Make heaven of what you have". It's a double-edged saying, methinks. On the one hand, it could mean be happy with what you have, I've heard some people argue against it, saying it encourages settling. But I don't see it like that.

For me, this saying was helpful through the pandemic, those hellish years taken from us. It was a perfect, simple, understated reminder that there are still, in the face of all atrocity and sorrow, good things worth joy. Worth heaven.

...these are just foxes. But they're cute foxes.

Break for a bunch of sticker art.

It's like a secret little world going on around your feet. 'Cause sometimes, you gotta look up, like the angel, but sometimes down also works, you know? Look down, and you might see an entire castle. Or at the very least, avoid stepping in shit.

Iubire. That's Romanian for "love". It's actually part of a huge mural that stretches over the entire street, saying "A step is the measure of love of the city". It's the perfect encouragement to take a long walk in the sun and admire the city. And what better place to do that than this pretty street?

The problem with me is I love leaving this damn place. But sometimes, rarely, I get to walk around the city, and look up and down, and like everything's all interesting and new. It feels kinda magic. :)

Where are you going in 2024?