This spring, the Golești Museum of Viticulture and Fruit Growing celebrates the life and work of an exceptional man and artist through a temporary exhibition titled “The Carver of Thoughts. In Memoriam Sculptor Nicolae M. Nica”. The exhibition will open on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 12:00 PM and will remain on display at the museum until May. The cultural partners supporting the Golești Museum in this initiative are the Olt County Center for Culture and Arts and the Olt County Museum.
The exhibition organized by the Golești Museum presents around 25 works by master sculptor Nicolae M. Nica, which are part of our institution’s collection. The exhibition is enriched with evocative photographs that reflect the artist’s life and creative journey. These images have been generously provided by Mr. Valeru Ciurea from the Olt County Center for Culture and Arts.
Nicolae M. Nica was a remarkable folk sculptor from the village of Chilia, Făgețelu commune, Olt County, who dedicated his life to preserving and promoting Romanian traditions.
Born on February 7, 1917, Nica lived through significant historical events. During World War II, he was a prisoner for five years in the Soviet Union. After his release, he returned to his native village, determined to safeguard and pass on the cultural heritage of the region. He passed away on July 8, 2014, at the age of 97.
A master in wood and bone carving, Nica created works of exceptional complexity and finesse, all crafted from a single piece of material, without joints. The main theme of his art reflects the life of the traditional Romanian village, capturing the essence and spirit of rural communities.
One of his most significant achievements was the establishment of the Chilia Village Museum in 1979. This museum houses an impressive collection of traditional objects and folk-art pieces, most of them created by Nica or collected by him from the local area and county. In 1994, he donated the museum to the state, ensuring that the cultural heritage would be preserved for future generations.
Nicolae Nica’s works are not only artistic expressions but also cultural records that capture the essence and traditions of the Oltenian village. Through his sculptures, he managed to immortalize customs, traditional attire, and moments from the daily life of rural communities, offering an authentic perspective on Romanian cultural identity. The museum he founded serves as an educational and cultural center, allowing visitors to connect with their ancestral roots and traditions.
The sculptural works of Nicolae Nica—crafted in wood and bone, often with inlaid decorations—stand as a testament to a creative life devoted to Romanian identity. All his wooden sculptures were made from a single piece, without joints. His works are filled with deep symbolism, inspired by history, patriotism, and love for people, which encapsulate his thoughts on history, art, and faith.
Nicolae M. Nica left behind a significant cultural legacy. Through his continuous efforts, he preserved and promoted Romanian values and traditions, ensuring that they would be appreciated by future generations. The Chilia Village Museum, which we invite you to visit, remains a testament to his passion and dedication to folk culture, continuing to inspire and educate all who step through its doors.
