BIO

Ruben Zarculea is a self-taught artist who began his creative journey in 2021. His work primarily focuses on portraits, exploring the human form and expression through both paintings and drawings.

Born in 1985 in Zalău, Romania, Ruben grew up in a family of six brothers and two sisters during a challenging time, as Romania was still under the grip of communism, which would culminate in the revolution of 1989. At the age of five, Ruben and his family fled Romania and sought refuge in Austria, arriving with nothing and without any outside help.

It was during his elementary school years that Ruben discovered his natural talent for drawing, winning several art competitions. However, the path to self-expression was not without obstacles. He did not speak German, and being one of the few non-Austrian students in a predominantly Austrian village, he endured years of bullying due to his appearance, race, and religion.

Ruben's artistic breakthrough came when he applied to a prestigious graphic design school in Perchtoldsdorf, becoming the first student from his secondary school to be admitted. This marked a turning point in his life in Austria. Upon graduating in 2005, Ruben worked as a graphic designer for five years and even launched an Open Air festival.

However, in 2010, he entered a deep depression that persisted for nearly a decade as he struggled to find his purpose. It wasn’t until 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, that a friend inspired him to return to art. He began with what he knew—drawing faces with pencil—and by 2022, he had completed his first paintings on canvas. This creative process, combined with a newfound faith and clarity of purpose, ultimately helped him overcome his depression.

In 2023, Ruben's career as an artist truly blossomed. He participated in 12 exhibitions across Vienna, invited by various galleries and brands to showcase his work. That same year, he transitioned to painting full-time and has since created over 100 artworks, primarily using acrylic on canvas. Ruben’s artistic evolution is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the healing power of art.