Untitled 

Ligia Macovei painted this untitled oil on cardboard, but the exact date is unknown. We see a building, maybe a house, rendered with soft, translucent color and a dreamlike quality. Born in Romania during the First World War, Macovei came of age during a period of intense social and political change. Romania went through a succession of authoritarian regimes culminating in a communist state after WWII, with the rise of Nicolae Ceaușescu. Macovei belonged to a generation of artists who navigated the pressures of state control while exploring personal and expressive styles. The buildings and landscapes she painted carry a feeling of nostalgia that speaks to the rapid urbanisation and industrialisation of Romania under communism. To fully appreciate Macovei's work, one must understand the artistic climate in Romania during this time. Further research into the archives of the Romanian Artists' Union might reveal insights into her position within the artistic establishment. Ultimately, her work remains an important testament to the power of art to reflect the complex realities of life under a totalitarian regime.