Lia Calancea

About Lia

Hi everyone! My name is Lia. I am 20 years old and I am the child of autumn. I am from Moldova and I deeply care about my background and roots. I am a second-year BA Art History student and I am also enrolled in the Honours College programme. I write poetry and read to soothe my soul, and visit local museums every time I travel. I love Pilates and I walk a lot because it helps me relax. Last but not least, I prefer sunflowers over roses.

Why Art History?

The personalised approach of this programme develops your understanding of human society and culture, whilst shaping your critical analysis and perspective on art, architecture, and landscapes. It covers a broad historical background and helps you understand the chronological development of art. At the same time, the variety of courses, from ‘Beyond Antiquity’ to ‘Art Now,’ provide socio-political commentary on historical events that have shaped humanity. The courses cover a wide range of topics and methodologies that provide a framework for your approach to art history. If you are not sure about your specific field of interest, the programme will help you find which particular region, time period, or movement your wish to specialise in. Whenever someone asks me ‘Why do you study Art History?’, I remember a quote from ‘Dead Poets Society’ that says, ‘Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are all noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.’

Why Groningen?

When I first came to Groningen, I felt as if I had been transported to a medieval movie. Everything about this city makes it different from anything I have ever seen: the combination of Neo-Gothic and Neo-Renaissance architecture that overwhelms you with its intrinsic beauty, the tiny streets, the poetically designed cafes, and the people who have something distinct and special about them. Even though it was difficult for me to get used to Groningen, I trusted the process. Once I allowed my heart to open to unexpected things, I started living my life and truly enjoying my student years.

Future

My main area of interest is the socio-cultural and political ideology deriving from art & art as a product/ innate part of society. Thus, I would like to combine my other passions (theatre, writing, public speaking, traveling) with my major and become either an art news reporter, an art director, a curator of cross-cultural exhibitions, or find an alternative that is a product of all of the aforementioned professions. With an Eastern European background and the constant pressure from my family to pursue a more “realistic” and “financially profitable” career, I was very anxious to finding my own place in this world. However, I truly believe that nothing is more rewarding than pursuing a career that is close to your heart. After all, what is yours will always find you.

Golden Tip

Listen to your heart and embrace what makes you truly human. In a world ravaged by wars and disease, take a moment to stop and observe the beauty in things. Create your own version of a bohemian life and live it to the fullest. Go out, explore, speak up, study as much as you can to become an expert in your field, and never stop dreaming.