Maria Bodrug (Moldova, 1997) grew up in a country rich with cultural stories and traditions. She initially explored a variety of art forms,  like abstract painting, experimenting with multiple media to express herself both as an artist and a human being. Her artistic toolkit now includes photography, video collages, painting, poetry, and performance.

Maria’s love for photography began as a hobby but deepened over time. In her search for a unique style and artistic voice, she moved to the Netherlands to study at the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam, where she developed a critical perspective on photography. Early in her career, she embraced a surrealistic approach to fine art photography, which remains a defining element of her work today.

With a growing interest in social issues, including domestic violence and global conflicts, Maria applies her surrealistic vision to bring these pressing subjects to light. She places particular emphasis on the interaction of light with its environment: “I am obsessed with light. There is something about the way it makes itself visible through different sources and across different surfaces.”

Maria’s fascination with light and her surrealist perspective guide her across genres, from commercial and street photography to documentary work. Now in her final year at WDKA, she is currently focused on her graduation project, which explores the theme of domestic violence.

For questions and inquiries, please contact: bodrugmaria@gmail.com