The artists nominated by
Adrian Tudose, Natalia Ciobanu, and Toma Hurduc have been selected for the Futures Photography 2025 project due to their compelling and distinctive approaches to contemporary photography. Each artist brings a unique perspective, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling while addressing critical social, emotional, and cultural discourses within the European photography scene.
Adrian Tudose’s work is deeply rooted in empathy and the human experience. His ability to capture fleeting, transient moments in urban spaces transforms everyday encounters into meaningful, structured compositions. By engaging with themes of emotional vulnerability and social representation, his photography offers an introspective look at the human condition. His contribution to the European emerging photography scene lies in his capacity to bridge documentary and artistic photography, presenting images that are both aesthetically rich and emotionally profound. Tudose's approach challenges viewers to reconsider the role of photography as a medium for storytelling and human connection.
Natalia Ciobanu, with her long-standing dedication to portraiture and travel photography, contributes a vibrant and emotionally charged perspective to contemporary discourse. Her project "Between Color and Expression" explores the depth of human emotion through striking use of color and composition. By focusing on the authenticity of her subjects, Ciobanu offers a visually poetic reflection on inner states and identity. Her work resonates with a broader European audience by celebrating diversity, introspection, and the universal language of color. She reinforces the significance of portraiture in contemporary photography, emphasizing its power to evoke personal and collective narratives.
Toma Hurduc’s documentary approach provides a critical, thought-provoking examination of the socio-political landscape in the Balkans. His project "Two Suns" delves into the region’s post-communist struggles, exploring the tensions between inherited ideologies and the rapid expansion of consumerist culture. By blending factual and imaginative elements, Hurduc crafts a layered narrative that questions the construction of memory and the perception of reality. His use of black-and-white 35mm film adds a timeless and surreal quality to his imagery, reinforcing the stark contrasts present in Balkan societies. His work contributes to contemporary European photography by documenting underrepresented histories and offering a raw, unfiltered perspective on socio-political change.
Together, these three photographers redefine contemporary photography through their commitment to emotion, identity, and societal reflection. Their selection for Futures Photography 2025 highlights the evolving landscape of European photography, where personal narratives and critical discourses merge to shape a more inclusive, thoughtful, and visually compelling future.
Photo Romania Festival's 2025 nominations were curated by:
Andrei Budescu | Photographer and university professor, former Dean of UAD (University of Art and Design), Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Panagiotis Papoutsis | Photographer and former Artistic Director of Ioannina Photo Festival, Greece
Dorel Găină | Photographer and university professor, former Dean of UAD (University of Art and Design), Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Sebastian Vaida | Photographer and Artistic Director of Photo Romania Festival, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Adi Tudose (b. 1987, Bucharest) is an artist-photographer based in Budapest. After completing his studies at The National University of Theatre and Film, he further
expanded his artistic vision through experiences in Milano. He is pursuing an MA in Photography at Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design, where his practice continues evolving. For him, the camera is far more than a tool—it is a medium through which he connects with the world around him. The streets become dynamic, ever-changing spaces where unpredictable encounters unfold. Immersing himself fully in these environments, Tudose approaches his subjects with empathy and sensitivity, capturing their lives with care and revealing emotional depth and vulnerability.
Tudose can transform fleeting, transient moments into cohesive compositions, bringing order and harmony to the everyday. Through this process, he taps into the
subconscious, offering viewers a sense of unity within the chaos. His seamless blending of form and content sets him apart, creating simple yet mysterious representations. His work is characterized by cohesive framing, a rich interplay of diverse elements, and tuned figure-to-ground relationships. Tudose’s work offers an invitation to reflect on what photography can reveal about the human condition. Each frame carries layers of emotional and sociological insight, capturing the essence of his subjects while creating space for the viewer to connect with them on a personal level. Each photograph becomes more than a visual representation; it transforms into a deeply felt emotional experience.
Empathy and vulnerability lie at the core of Tudose’s creative process, enabling him to form deeper connections with his subjects and uncover meaningful relationships that might otherwise remain hidden. His work seeks to evoke genuine emotions, delving into themes of social and gender representation while fostering a sense of belonging. In doing so, he transforms emotional disconnection into moments of peace and truth.
As an artist, Tudose is committed to long-term projects that tell meaningful stories, ones that challenge him to confront fear, embrace vulnerability, and transform his personal experiences into shared human truths. His photography doesn’t just document—it transcends, offering symbols of connection and hope in a chaotic world.
.jpeg)
