Participating in an international exhibition in New York was one of the most remarkable experiences of my artistic journey so far. At the invitation of Monat Gallery, I had the opportunity to present my work in a city considered one of the greatest cultural centers in the world. This experience not only allowed me to give international visibility to my works, but also challenged me to grow as an artist and as a person.
When, together with Monat Gallery, I decided that one of the international exhibitions would be in New York, I already knew it would be something striking — different, grand, transformative. However, even with everything prepared — flights booked, visa obtained, bags packed — I still didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of the experience that awaited me.
New York, on its own, is already an adventure. Recognizing places from movies and series I’ve watched throughout my life was surreal. Walking through its iconic streets and seeing, in the distance, its imposing bridges — with truly impressive scale — was absolutely phenomenal.
But the highlight was, without a doubt, the exhibition. The anxiety before entering was inevitable — that good, nervous excitement. Even though everything was perfectly organized by the amazing Monat Gallery team, my heart was racing. As soon as I walked in, my first mission was to find space S616 — the spot where my works were being exhibited. And there they were. It was emotional to see them in that setting, in New York, before such a diverse audience. I took photos, shared the moment with those who were with me, and absorbed every second.
The exhibition brought together artists from all over the world — Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and even Oceania. Talking with some of them, exchanging ideas, and immersing myself in such different styles and visions was truly enriching. Still, I felt that the time I had there — just a few hours — was not enough to see everything in as much detail as I would have liked. The atmosphere was so overwhelming that I completely lost track of time.
By the end of the day, the physical exhaustion was evident, but the sense of accomplishment surpassed everything. It was a unique experience, one of those that mark you forever. New York will remain etched in my memory — and in my artistic journey — as a moment of achievement and growth.
