“On one of my first days in Maastricht, my mother and I walked past the Bonnefanten Museum. The artworks I glimpsed through the windows immediately caught my attention, but I waited for a special occasion to visit. That moment came last Valentine’s Day, the first one my girlfriend and I spent in the Netherlands. We met in our home country, Romania, and came to Maastricht together.
“From the outside, you wouldn’t guess how influential and important the museum’s works of art are. Its collection is extensive and incredibly diverse, from modern art to Renaissance paintings and medieval sculptures of great historical value, beautifully displayed alongside screens showing videos.
“In Moldova, where I grew up, I loved visiting a similar museum with an extensive collection of local art. It’s a wonderful way to get to know the place you live, especially through historical artefacts. I find it fascinating to see artworks created centuries ago. At the Bonnefanten Museum, I saw 500-year-old wooden statues of saints and a bishop’s staff from 1240. It tells you something about the people who lived here back then, and about how deeply history shapes the present. It’s important for people to learn about that. I think it’s great how much effort goes into preserving historical buildings and objects in the Netherlands, particularly in Maastricht.
“I have a lot of hobbies and interests, but art is one of my greatest passions. I grew up with it – my parents are very interested in culture and art. I started painting and drawing when I was seven and took lessons from an artist for five years, mostly painting landscapes and still lifes. I eventually stopped as other priorities like studying took over, but I’d love to pick it up again one day. I think I see the world differently from most people. I like to focus on colours, on the way people move.
“So why did I choose to study economics, you ask? Because economics is very important to society as well. And I think it’s good to have a wide range of skills. Leonardo da Vinci wasn’t just an artist; he was also an architect and inventor. People are capable of so much. But I do think it’s important to keep visiting museums rather than just hanging out at cafés. It makes me happier – art heals your mind and soul. It’s essential to learn to see the beauty of everything in the world around you.”