We would like to thank once again all participants of the Romanian Street Art open call.
We are super grateful for the 98 submissions received from 75 local and international artists, hailing from 19 countries, 111invers1 (Lumi Mihai & Mugur Grosu), Aeul, Aku Aalto [Finland], Alexandra Iliescu, Alexandra Lincu, Alin Mihai, Andreea Oprisan și Ingrid Maschek, Andrei Felea, ann CAZ.L [Germany], ArBiAr (Răzvan, Bianca & Roxana), Artmina [Ukraine], Bianca Bideac, Bizarorin, Bona Berlin [Germany], Constantin Malmare, Creioana, CT [Italy], DeDe Defined Detail, El Rughi [Italy], fEOfliP [Spain], Florian Ionescu, FragMenta, Harcea Pacea, iZZY iZVNE [R. Moldova], J.3rny [Brazil], Kaleab Alemayehu [Ethiopia], Kartitect [Kazakhstan], Lennox, Linda Bluth [Germany], Louis Jamal [Yemen], Lourdes Goce [Spain], Lună, Malpegados [Chile], Maria Bălan & Robert Obert, Mena [Brazil], Meyso [France], Mister Alek [USA], Mister THOMS [Italy], Nina Dziwoki [Poland], Ninehouse Productions [USA], NKS [Italy], NSN97 [Italy], Ocu, Pavlo Salamatov [Ukraine], Popescu, Poppy, Pucart, Romb, ROY [Finland], RUN [Iran], Rustwo [Bulgaria], Santa Gross [Colombia], Sayonara junkies, Sbah [Spain], Seboh Creation [Germany] & Cosmeann, SegarichART [Croatia], Sprey cini [Turkey], Stelian Rățoi, SuperWizer, Takir [France], The Plant, TONA [Germany], TROP [Brazil], Valori murale, Valvele ArtistRun, Visual-Light Crew, VODAWOTAH [Bulgaria], representing artistic works for the 3 public spaces proposed by the competition theme, as follows:
- 54 artworks proposed for the space offered by SF Travel, the program’s partner, which were evaluated by: representatives of the partner SF Travel; artists: MSER, Jana Danilovic, Homeboy LDJ; and representatives of the organiser Save or Cancel (Cristina Popa and Andrei Racovițan);
- 14 works proposed for the space offered by the Owners’ Association of the Iancului Avenue, no. 1, which were evaluated by: representatives of the partner, the Owners’ Association of the Iancului Avenue, no. 1; artists: MSER, Jana Danilovic, Homeboy LDJ; and representatives of the organizer Save or Cancel (Cristina Popa and Andrei Racovițan);
- 30 works proposed for the space offered by ROMEXPO, the programme partner, which were evaluated by: representatives of the ROMEXPO partner; artists: MSERO, Jana Danilovic, Homeboy LDJ; and representatives of the organiser Save or Cancel (Cristina Popa and Andrei Racovițan);
The evaluation and selection of the winning works was carried out between May 10 – May 24, 2025 by an odd jury, and, following the evaluation process, the following works were selected for award and implementation:
- Zmaja – “The Bear Express”, for the space offered by SF Travel;
- Zivink, for the space offered by Owners’ Association of the Iancului Avenue, no. 1.
- Zmogk – “Synesthetic Flow“, for the space offered by ROMEXPO;
Works selected for award and implementation
Zmaja – “The Bear Express” at SF Travel
Artwork description: „Expresul Ursului (The Bear Express)”
My idea behind the sketch for this wall was to create a mural that would serve as an homage to Romanian staples as well as directly reference elements from it’s surroundings, all in a positive light, emphasising happy looking characters and an overall storybook/fairytale vibe. I noticed the building where the wall is located had colourful windows on the front side, so I took this as a sign to tap into a more playful mural idea and so I implemented some of the window colours into the general colour palette so as to match the rest of the building.
As the wall is located right across from Carol I Park, I made sure to include a nod to it in the background, as seen to the left of the bear (the prominent monument located in the park).
Seeing as the wall is located in a very green and natural area, I thought it would be fitting to have the main characters be animals. Romania is most known for the largest population of bears in Europe, specifically the brown bear, so I decided he would be my main character.
The bear is riding a train, a nod to the Dimitrie Leonida Technical Museum (it is a reference to a locomotive on display there), hence the name: The Bear Express. The chamois is also a notable species in Romania which is protected by the EU, so I added it on top of the bear as well.
Other notable species are the Great White Pelican, frequently seen over the Danube river, another Romanian staple. The Bear Express would serve as a reminder of the wonders of Romania and perhaps serve as inspiration to go exploring.
Zivink at Iancului Avenue, no. 1
Artwork description:
Iancului — I used a basic colour palette in this work, transitioning between different worlds, from the inside to the outside. I took mural art to a place related to children’s books—playful and colourful, mixing farm life and street life together. As the main character, the child guides us, the viewers, through his world.
Zmogk – “Synesthetic Flow” at ROMEXPO
Artwork description: “Synesthetic Flow”
This semi-abstract sketch explores the connection between the inner human state, the surrounding space, and the soundscape of contemporary life. At its center is a meditative face, dissolving into a stream of light, color, and rhythmic visual noise. The composition resembles a musical track — layers of color and form echo like synthesized sounds, creating an atmosphere of contemplative detachment. The vivid warm and cool tones strike a balance between reason and emotion, much like harmony between rhythm and melody. The image can be seen as a symbol of inner resonance, self-reflection, and connection to the city’s cultural pulse. Such a mural could enrich urban space by offering a visual counterpart to musical experience.
The cultural programme Romanian Street Art is produced by Save or Cancel (Cristina Popa, Andrei Racovițan) through feeder.ro and co-financed by AFCN.
The programme does not necessarily represent the position of The Administration of the National Cultural Fund. AFCN is not responsible for the content of the application or the way the program results can be used. These are entirely the responsibility of the beneficiary of the funding.
Partners: Lente, Romexpo, Lagom Hotel, SF Travel, Biblioteca Metropolitană București
Media partners: Amsterdam Street Art, BSBSA (Bucharest Sofia Belgrade Street Art), Empower Artists, DigitizArte, Igloo, IQads, I Support Street Art, La pas prin Brasov, Litera 9, Modernism, Munteanu, PRwave, Street Art Belgrade, Revista Atelierul, Revista Golan, The Institute, Zeppelin, Un-hidden Romania, Ziarul Pozitiv.
About Save or Cancel
Since 2009, Save or Cancel has been a platform for communication and dissemination of arts and culture, promoting and facilitating their role in contemporary society.
The multidisciplinary programs self-initiated by Save or Cancel aim to identify sustainable and adaptable opportunities for (re)valuing the existing through cultural and editorial projects.