Meet Dumitru Musteață, Moldova's master contemporary iconographer
On the Feast of St. Demetrius (Sfântul Dumitru), celebrated according to the old calendar on Saturday, November 8, we delve into the life of Dumitru Musteață, recognized as one of Moldova's most highly appreciated contemporary iconographers.
He has successfully transformed a passion inherited from his family into a profound vocation and a life mission dedicated to sacred art.
Dumitru Musteață creates icons that grace and ennoble holy places both nationally and internationally. The physical place where he feels closest to the divine is his studio—an altar where he confronts the mystery of color and faith.
"That is what truly inspires me—the simplicity, yet simultaneous complexity of the work, and the profound depth of the colors. I distinctly remember the feeling I had with my very first icon. I was completely lost and couldn't grasp why it wasn't working. When I began to study and delve deeper, I realized the many shortcomings and the many qualities I needed to adopt," Musteață shared on the "Bună dimineața" show on Moldova 1.
He emphasized the influence of his father: "The most important thing is that my father, a painter of Byzantine Iconography, worked incredibly hard and meticulously. I still own some of his icons; his presence is constant and a value of immense importance to me."
In his work, Dumitru Musteață masterfully combines the canonical rigor of the Byzantine Iconography tradition with a modern artistic sensitivity. This unique approach confers upon each piece a powerful spiritual vibration meant to resonate deeply with the viewer's soul.
"The last major icon I finished is the one located at the 'Saint Spyridon' Church on 31 August Street, within the Emergency Hospital premises. This piece is significant because it depicts a saint who was recently canonized," the iconographer noted.
Beyond his creative work, the Art Professor has spent several years sharing his knowledge with the new generation of creators at the 'Ion Creangă' State Pedagogical University’s Faculty of Visual Arts and Design. He aims not only to teach the technique but also to initiate them into the spirit and mystery of this venerable sacred art.
"I started working with students immediately after graduating from the Academy in 2003 and became a professor. I felt the necessity to pass on the knowledge I, in turn, received from my teachers," he explained.
For Dumitru Musteață, his name carries not only a family legacy but also a spiritual responsibility. It connects him directly to the Holy Great Martyr St. Demetrius, the victory-bearer, a timeless symbol of courage and unwavering faith.
"Any name must be validated through the actions, the deeds, and the character of the person who bears it. It is not the name itself that is valued, but the person who carries that name," he affirmed.
The connection to a patron saint and the artistic gift inherited from his father grant Dumitru Musteață the unique mission of uniting generations, linking tradition with the present, and merging sacred art with faith. His story is a powerful testament that true beauty is born when the soul and the hand create in unison under the blessing of divine grace.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
