Ștefan Câlția

(b. 22 May 1942, Simeria, Hunedoara County, Romania)

Ștefan Câlția is one of Romania’s most important contemporary painters, renowned for his richly symbolic, dream-like imagery and meticulous craftsmanship. Born in Simeria, Romania, he studied at the Cluj-Napoca Institute of Fine Arts, where he later became a professor and played a formative role in the development of Romanian painting in the late 20th century.

Câlția’s work is characterized by a unique visual language that blends elements of mythology, memory, folklore, and personal symbolism. His compositions often feature enigmatic figures, animals, and architectural elements composed in surreal, poetic landscapes that evoke inner worlds more than real ones. Key motifs—such as birds, keys, arches, fragments of classical sculpture, and musical instruments—recur throughout his paintings, contributing to a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Throughout his career, Câlția has exhibited widely in Romania and internationally, and his works are held in major public collections, including the National Museum of Art of Romania and numerous museums in Europe and the United States. His artistic influence extends beyond his paintings: he has been a mentor to a generation of Romanian artists and a respected voice in contemporary artistic discourse.

Within the context of Pavot, Ștefan Câlția’s work embodies a profound exploration of imagination, symbolism, and poetic space—where painting becomes a synthesis of narrative, memory, and visual reverie.