43 Nostalgic Paintings Of This Romanian Artist’s Childhood That You Might Relate To

If you grew up in the 90s in Eastern Europe, this Romanian artist has a treat for you!

Lucian Prună is a traditional oil painter who continues to do a series of paintings based on nostalgia. Specifically, 90s nostalgia in post-communist Eastern Europe. In an interview withBored Panda, Lucian noted that his work can be viewed in different ways. One perspective is from those who lived through that era, while another comes from people who grew up in completely different parts of the world but still connect with the everyday moments he portrays. Some themes, likeCorona beer,even evoke unexpected nostalgia.

More info:Instagram|Facebook|threads.net

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Oil painting of a vintage computer setup with Sims 2 game, reflecting Eastern Europe nostalgia.

First of all, we wanted to know more about Lucian, so he shared about his background.“I trained as a Byzantine church restoration painter, but then shifted to traditional oil painting, and I even got the opportunity to follow a summer course at the Florence Academy of Art, which has helped me immensely in this pursuit of contemporary realism.”

First of all, we wanted to know more about Lucian, so he shared about his background.

“I trained as a Byzantine church restoration painter, but then shifted to traditional oil painting, and I even got the opportunity to follow a summer course at the Florence Academy of Art, which has helped me immensely in this pursuit of contemporary realism.”

Oil painting depicting 1990s nostalgia with a cartoon on an old TV, a soda bottle, and a plate of snacks nearby.

Oil painting of vintage Eastern European stereo with tapes, evoking nostalgia.

Oil painting of a vintage computer setup displaying a video game, reflecting Eastern Europe’s collective nostalgia.

Oil painting depicting Eastern Europe’s collective nostalgia with vintage items like a glass Coca-Cola bottle and cards.

As for the creative process, Lucian commented:“Most often, I’ll start with an idea that gets jotted down somewhere. Meanwhile, without any sketching involved, I think of the layout and begin the search for the items that I need, which is sometimes a whole adventure in itself.Once I have the items in the setup I want, I’ll arrange and rearrange them anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. If I’m happy with how it looks and what it evokes, I start painting. If not, I’ll take a step back and try a different one. This process, from idea to the start of the execution can take anywhere from a day, to months, or a year.”

Once I have the items in the setup I want, I’ll arrange and rearrange them anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. If I’m happy with how it looks and what it evokes, I start painting. If not, I’ll take a step back and try a different one. This process, from idea to the start of the execution can take anywhere from a day, to months, or a year.”

Oil painting of a TV showing an animated character, with a soda bottle and snack nearby, evoking Eastern Europe’s nostalgia.

Oil painting of ripe tomatoes in a purple bag, showcasing Eastern Europe’s collective nostalgia.

We always want to know what the artists hope for their audiences to take away from their art.Lucian shared his: “One thing I would like for it to keep happening is raising the audience’s appetite for art in general and making it more accessible in terms of the themes approached. I also use my social media to interact with (feels weird to call them) my audience in a relaxed way, and to sometimes involve them in the process of choosing a subject, showing the art at different stages and others, which I believe should help make artists in general, more approachable.”Lastly, Lucian added: “Not much, anyone can ask me anything on Instagram. But if anyone reading this is thinking of pursuing a career in art, I suggest that they put in the work, don’t romanticize the lifestyle, and most importantly, know when it no longer works for them.”

We always want to know what the artists hope for their audiences to take away from their art.

Lucian shared his: “One thing I would like for it to keep happening is raising the audience’s appetite for art in general and making it more accessible in terms of the themes approached. I also use my social media to interact with (feels weird to call them) my audience in a relaxed way, and to sometimes involve them in the process of choosing a subject, showing the art at different stages and others, which I believe should help make artists in general, more approachable.”

Lastly, Lucian added: “Not much, anyone can ask me anything on Instagram. But if anyone reading this is thinking of pursuing a career in art, I suggest that they put in the work, don’t romanticize the lifestyle, and most importantly, know when it no longer works for them.”

Oil painting of sewing supplies, showcasing Eastern Europe’s nostalgia with a blue tin, colorful threads, scissors, and tape.

Oil painting of Eastern Europe nostalgia with plate of sausage, cheese, pickles, a water bottle, and a fork on a napkin.

Oil painting of breakfast setting, capturing Eastern Europe nostalgia with bread, jam, butter, and a steaming mug.

Oil painting depicting Eastern Europe nostalgia with drinks and bread on a table.

Oil painting of a desktop scene capturing Eastern Europe nostalgia with a computer, CDs, and nostalgic items.

Oil painting of a Rubik’s Cube and bubble wand symbolizes Eastern Europe’s collective nostalgia.

Oil painting depicting Eastern Europe nostalgia with a container of salad, fork, bread, and paper towel roll.

Oil painting of a green lipstick tube, capturing Eastern Europe’s nostalgia.

Oil painting of a bicycle handlebar with a plastic bag containing bread, capturing Eastern Europe’s collective nostalgia.

Oil painting of a computer screen displaying a game, capturing Eastern Europe’s collective nostalgia with realistic detail.

Oil painting depicting Eastern Europe’s nostalgia with a red kettle, canned goods, and a tea towel on a rustic table.

Oil painting depicting Eastern Europe’s nostalgia with an old TV, remote, currency, and mobile phone.

Oil painting depicting Eastern Europe nostalgia with a computer and gaming setup.

Oil painting of a chessboard with pieces, a bottle, and a cup, capturing Eastern Europe’s collective nostalgia.

Oil painting of Eastern European nostalgia with bread, canned food, and a bottle on a table.

Oil painting of Eastern European meal with bread, green chili, soup, and a glass of water, evoking collective nostalgia.

Oil painting depicting Eastern Europe’s collective nostalgia with everyday items like bottles, a phone, and snacks.

Oil painting of a TV showing Eastern European news with two people and text; captures collective nostalgia.

Oil painting of a desk with monitor playing a video, capturing Eastern Europe’s collective nostalgia and everyday life elements.

Oil painting depicting Eastern Europe’s nostalgia with vintage computer setup and classic soda bottle.