Doina Moss Summer at the Castle
Solo Exhibition “Summer Passions”
at Pelisor Castle, Sinaia, Romania
Cultural exchange
A Blog by Doina Maravela Moss, Artist UAPR and Architect RIBA, ARB, FRSA
In the middle of a hot summer, with unbearable temperatures, a mountainous respite was created through Doina’s exhibition. Surrounded by the secular forests of the Bucegi Mountains, the Carpathians offer a powerful backdrop for the architecture of Peles and Pelisor Castles.
Visitors to Pelisor Castle were offered a contemporary approach to the history and context inspired by Queen Marie of Romania. Imbued with history and a feeling of a tangible presence, the castle absorbed the 31 paintings in a beautiful display, set against the warm, rich wooden wall panelling of the Honour Hall. This space is surrounded by architectural details created under the direct supervision of the Queen, who was also actively involved in designing unique furniture pieces.
At the kind invitation of Dr. Narcis Dorin Ion, General Director of the Peles Museum, Doina embraced the exciting challenge of organizing a solo exhibition at Pelisor Castle from June 15th to July 15th, 2024. She lives and works in London, UK, but paints en plein air while travelling and around the Royal Parks in London.
A dedicated team from the Peles Castle Museum, led by Gabriela Dascalu, ensured that everything went smoothly during the preview and the duration of the exhibition.
In the exhibition arranged at Pelișor Castle, the “dream house” of Romania’s most beloved queen, Maria, herself a talented painter and patron of the “Tinerimea Artistică” society, visitors had the opportunity to admire oil paintings, most of which were created en plein air and structured into three series. The first series is inspired by Queen Maria of Romania and the castles and places dear to her in Romania and Balchik. The second series presents landscapes from the surroundings of Doina's home in Richmond, London. The third series includes works painted during her travels, featuring various subjects.
Through the exhibited paintings, visitors to Pelișor Castle were offered a contemporary approach to the history and context inspired by Queen Maria of Romania. The history, reinterpreted through Doina's lens, presents the historical context based on archival documents and direct observations, painting en plein air on-site with new contemporary filters. Some paintings contain famous images of Queen Maria juxtaposed with current landscapes.
Steeped in history and a palpable presence, the castle hosted the 31 paintings in a harmonious exhibition set against the wooden panelling of the Honour Hall. This space is surrounded by architectural ornaments created under the direct supervision of the Queen, who was actively involved in designing unique furniture for the castle.
Art and architecture, being two important components of Doina's creative life, were celebrated through this personal exhibition and its architectural context.
The preview party began with an informal reception, welcoming all the guests who travelled from all over the country, including family members who came specifically to be part of this reunion, centred around Doina’s paintings.
The vernissage was a confluence, a significant meeting point for Doina's friends and family, who came especially from various parts of the country, as well as visitors to Pelișor Castle. They all had the opportunity to visit and absorb the context and history of the “dream house.”
Witnessing the unfolding event, the most distinguished guests were Doina’s parents and her immediate family, particularly her brother Florin Maravela, who was crucial in ensuring the paintings were delivered on time and displayed in the correct order.
The paintings were beautifully displayed against the sumptuous wooden panelling, showing the beautiful ceilings and cornices, architectural delights. The capsule with paintings representing the palaces connected to Queen Maria of Romania, inspired directly by sources in Sinaia and Balchik and by juxtaposing several archival images from the Peles Museum, reinterpreted by Doina in her artistic compositions.
The exhibition at Pelisor Castle is a convergence of art, fashion, and history, creating a multidimensional experience that highlights Doina's unique artistic journey. Her paintings, rich in texture and narrative, were beautifully juxtaposed with the historic and ornate setting of the castle, offering visitors an immersive experience that bridges the past and the present.
Most of the paintings were expertly framed by Leigh Warnick of "Leigh Gallery" in Hampton Hill, Richmond, where Doina is a partner and resident artist.
The formal speeches began on cue, with General Director Dr. Narcis Dorin Ion introducing Anca Hogea, Deputy General Director of the National Museum of Peleș, and Dr. Mircea Hortopan, Heritage Director. The guest speakers presented Doina and her works to the audience.
The distinguished guests provided captivating analyses of the artist and the exhibition, and they introduced the fashion element, highlighting the seamless integration of artistic and sartorial narratives within the historic setting.
Doina's exhibition at Pelișor Castle is a convergence of art, fashion, and history, creating a multidimensional experience that highlights Doina's unique artistic journey. Her paintings, rich in texture and narrative, were beautifully juxtaposed with the historic and ornate setting of the castle, offering visitors an immersive experience that bridges the past and present.
As an absolute premiere of its kind at the castle, Doina introduced a new element, adding dynamic energy to the event through a fashion presentation. Simona Span from Satu Mare showcased her collections of painted dresses. The fashion show enchanted the audience not only with the delightful dresses but also with the graceful models, led by the elegant Miss Romania Universe, Carmina Coftaș. Their presence and dedication added an extra layer of sophistication and charm, seamlessly linking the world of fashion with fine art in a fluent and delightful manner.
To complement the aesthetic splendour of the event, we enlisted the talents of makeup artist Gabriela Chirila.
The models captivated us with their elegance and beauty, enhancing the multidimensional experience of the exhibition. Their presence and poise added an extra layer of sophistication and charm, bridging the worlds of fashion and fine art in a seamless and enchanting manner.
The fashion show took place in the context of the exhibited paintings, emphasizing the connection between art, architecture, fashion, and interior design. We built treasured memories thanks to our photographers Ion Paciu and Tatiana Zigar, who captured the fashion show, the paintings, and the interaction with the public. Their skilful photography ensured that every moment of the event was immortalized, allowing us to relive the beauty and excitement of the exhibition long after it had concluded. Their work not only documented the event but also highlighted the intricate details and emotional connections that made the evening truly special.
Guests and models had the opportunity to visit Pelișor Castle and absorb its historical details and connection with Queen Maria, who was an excellent patron of the arts and architecture, promoting artists and architects, and being herself a very good artist and designer of objects found in this castle. Influenced by Art Nouveau, the Pre-Raphaelites, and the Impressionists, the castle is a testament to the confluence of all arts under the same roof.
After the show, Doina and Simona were invited by the director of Peles Castle to receive precious books written by Dr. Narcis Dorin Ion. This gesture was a fitting tribute to their contributions and a testament to the significance of their work. The books, filled with rich historical insights and cultural knowledge, served as a meaningful token of appreciation, further solidifying the bond between the artists and the esteemed institution of Peles Castle.
The books are a real treasure and inspiration, providing many hours of research and discoveries.
Doina and Simona exchanged a painting for a dress, which was specially designed by Simona for the preview party. This unique exchange symbolized the harmonious blending of visual art and fashion, marking a memorable collaboration between the two artists. The bespoke dress, created with meticulous attention to detail, perfectly complemented the ambiance of the evening, highlighting the fusion of creativity and craftsmanship present throughout the exhibition.
The celebration unfolded amidst the revered halls of the Architects Villa in Sinaia, an exquisite testament to the craft and dedication of its members within the Union of Architects. This meticulously restored villa served as a poignant backdrop, resonating with the architectural prowess it embodies.
Under the gracious recommendation of UAR President Ileana Tureanu, the gathering immersed itself in three days of profound appreciation. Guests, encompassing friends and family alike, were enamoured by the villa's picturesque surroundings, expansive interiors, and the profound quality of its architectural design. Each facet of the villa, from its serene location to its attentive hospitality, contributed to a tapestry of memorable experiences.
The occasion not only celebrated camaraderie but also underscored the enduring charm and functionality of architectural excellence. Through the lens of this soirée, the Architects Villa emerges not merely as a venue, but as a living testament to the artistry and vision of its creators—a place where design harmonizes effortlessly with the joy of communal gatherings.
**Bio**
A student at the Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism for five years, Doina completed and furthered her studies with numerous specializations at prestigious institutions in the UK, such as the Architectural Association School of Architecture, Westminster University, and Sotheby’s Institute of Art, where she obtained a diploma in Art and Finance on a Global Market, and Heatherley School of Art. She is a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA). Doina Maravela – Moss is an artist whose background in architecture influences her distinct visual style, navigating the intersection between artistic effort and spontaneity from a young age.
Living in the Hampton Court area of the UK, Doina Maravela – Moss is continually inspired by the landscapes of this historically rich place. Since 2016, she has revitalized her exploration of oil painting, driven by a passion for impressionist philosophy. This approach is evident in her en plein air works, capturing the ethereal beauty of the Thames, Richmond, and Bushy parks, as well as various locations encountered during her travels.
Since her debut in 2017 at the RA Salon des Refusés, Doina Maravela – Moss’s career has been on an upward trajectory, with exhibitions organized by significant museums and renowned institutions, attracting collectors from Bucharest, Galați, Târgu Mureș, Brașov, Cluj, London, Paris, New York, Houston, and Zurich. This year, Doina Maravela – Moss became a member of the Union of Fine Artists of Romania, Galați branch, crowning her affiliations with prestigious institutions.
Links: For the details of the exhibition portfolio, please scan:
