Client
Personal
YEAR
2021
MY Role
Illustration / Frame Animation
Overview
This project started from a personal connection to Romanian folklore. Growing up, I was surrounded by stories, traditions, and customs that my parents considered important to preserve and pass on to future generations.
Visual concept
One tradition that always fascinated me was the use of ritual masks during winter celebrations. Rooted in ancient beliefs, these masks were used to scare away evil spirits believed to roam the earth at the end of the year, allowing communities to welcome the new year free from misfortune and negativity.
The visual language of the project draws inspiration from the exaggerated features, rich textures, and symbolic elements found in traditional Romanian masks. Each illustration translates these characteristics into a contemporary digital style while preserving their expressive and ritualistic nature.
Sketches
A continuing exploration
At the heart of the project are my father's narratives. Having spent most of his life in rural Romania, he carries a rich knowledge of local customs and an exceptional gift for storytelling. His memories serve as the foundation for each piece, transforming traditional imagery into intimate portraits of cultural memory.
Through these illustrations, I aim to preserve fragments of a disappearing world while reimagining them through a contemporary visual language.
Some projects feel complete, while others continue to grow with you. This exploration of Romanian ritual masks is one of those projects, and I hope to return to it with new perspectives and ideas in the near future.
a.apalaghiei@gmail.com