On Intimacy & Mythology: A Conversation w/ Romanian Artist Catalin Arcu CVLTARTES

Catalin Arcu is a Romanian photographer, currently residing in the vibrant city of Cluj. His artistic vision is deeply rooted in fine-art photography, with a particular emphasis on the themes of nudity, mysticism, and mythology. Catalin’s portfolio showcases a captivating collection of timeless images that possess both beauty and depth, each meticulously crafted to tell a compelling story.

His works often transport characters into a fascinating fantasy realm, skillfully straddling the line between reality and imagination. Every aspect, from the breathtaking visual spectacle to the intricate technique, is executed with remarkable mastery. What captivates the viewer most profoundly, however, is not just the vivid imagery but the way Catalin seduces the viewer with mystery, magic, excitement, tension, and vibrations.

Through his lens, the artist invites viewers to explore fresh perspectives on nude art, encouraging a reimagining of its significance and the emotions it evokes. In our conversation with Catalin, we talked about what interests him the most in photography, his biggest influences, and his plans.

When did you get your start in photography and how did you grow interested in nude?

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment when my journey with photography began, but in some ways, it feels as though I’ve always been tethered to a camera, capturing pieces of the world since my teenage years. The serious pursuit, however, came later, about five or six years ago, when I began devoting more time to learning, experimenting, and gradually investing in gear. I wandered through the many paths of photography, sampling its genres, before finally settling into the realm of fine art portraits and nudes.

My inspiration is rooted in a childhood spent surrounded by shelves of books, thanks to my parents, who filled my world with stories and images. Among these treasures was the Meridian collection, featuring timeless works from masters like Goya and Velázquez. Those pages awakened in me a fascination for the human form and the intricate dance of light and shadow—a fascination that continues to shape my work even to this day.

How much preparation do you put into taking a photograph/series of photographs?

The amount of preparation I invest in a session can vary widely. While some rare shoots might unfold spontaneously, most involve extensive planning to bring my vision to life. I often start with mood boards, sourcing inspiration, gathering crucial props, and selecting models who resonate with the story I wish to tell. Certain ideas are even ‘paused’ in the preparation stage until I secure the essential elements—those ‘indispensable’ details that I believe truly complete the concept.

For instance, one of my upcoming sessions has been in the works for the past two months, during which I’ve meticulously collected props and coordinated with models and the makeup artist to shape the vision as closely as possible to what I imagined. I like to prepare thoroughly so that when the day of the shoot arrives, I can minimize any last-minute stress and focus entirely on capturing the essence of the story.

Are your models nervous about getting naked? What are some of your tricks or techniques to make people comfortable?

It really depends on the experience and comfort level of both the model and the photographer. If both are relatively new to nude photography, nerves can run high, making it a learning experience for both sides. However, when at least one party has more experience, the session tends to flow more smoothly, as there’s a greater understanding of the process and an established level of comfort.

From my own experience as a test model, I understand how stressful it can be—even with clothes on. So without clothes, it’s naturally even more vulnerable. That’s why I aim to make the experience as easy and comfortable as possible. For me, this means ensuring the model understands the concept and story we’re creating together. Once on set, clear communication and an empathetic approach are key. My goal is for the model to feel fully at ease, to feel like an integral part of the creative process, so they can immerse themselves in the role with confidence and authenticity—that’s where soulful art truly begins.

Who would you say are some of the biggest influences on your work?

Beyond the artists I’ve already mentioned, I hold a deep reverence for the great masters of painting—Rembrandt, Vermeer, Caravaggio, and the Baroque period as a whole. The era’s dramatic interplay of light and shadow and its profound, almost haunting emotional resonance serve as an endless source of inspiration. Their works whisper ideas, sparking imagery that I try to translate through my lens.

Among contemporary photographers, there are several whose work I deeply admire. Yousuf Karsh’s black-and-white portraits carry a timeless elegance and powerful sense of presence. Javi Mercader Bornes’ soulful approach captures emotion and vulnerability in a single frame, striking at the core of human connection. Claudiu Guraliuc’s lighting and editing technique is something I aspire to, balancing meticulous detail with boundless creativity. And then there are Jan Gonzales and Chris Knight, whose mastery of lighting and color transforms each portrait into a stunning visual narrative, alive with nuance and depth. Each of these artists has shaped the way I try to approach and conceptualize my work.

If there was one thing you wanted your audience to take from your work, what would it be?

As an artist, perhaps it’s a bit egotistical, but it’s less about what I want the audience to take from my work and more about what I hope to take from them—a fleeting moment when they allow their minds to wander through the portal I’ve painted. I want to steal those precious seconds where they’re drawn in, piecing together the story or emotion I’ve woven into the frame. For me, it’s about capturing that brief connection where they step into the world I’ve created and feel compelled to interpret, to experience, even if just for an instant.

What are you currently fascinated by and how is it feeding into your work?

Right now, I’m captivated by mystical elements and mythology and how they intersect with modern identity, especially through the lens of portraits and nudes. My recent work draws heavily on this fascination, blending ancient myth with contemporary themes to create an otherworldly quality that invites viewers to look deeper. For instance, the session I mentioned earlier will be inspired by Dracula lore, which I hope will serve as a powerful exploration of myths surrounding darkness and allure. This project includes both portraits and nudes, capturing the timeless, haunting beauty that has fascinated people for centuries.

One of my recent collaborations with Eliza Șveica was particularly inspiring—she portrayed a New Orleans witch, surrounded by the spirits she summoned. Although this was a clothed project, it captured the eerie, enchanting quality that I strive to bring into my work. While mythology and mysticism may be a niche interest for a broader audience, I find it immensely fulfilling. These themes may not resonate with everyone, but for those who connect with them, they open a doorway into a world rich with mystery and imagination.

There are many descriptions of the ideal state of mind for being creative. What is it like for you? What supports this ideal state of mind and what are distractions? Are there strategies to enter into this state more easily?

For me, creativity flows best when I’m in a state I’d call ‘loose exploration.’ It’s a place where I can be curious and experimental without feeling tied to rigid expectations. To reach this, I need time and space to step away from everyday routines and let my mind wander freely. Social media and constant notifications can easily break this flow, so I do my best to distance myself from them.

Before diving into a creative project, I love to immerse myself in art, music, or books—portals into other creators’ ideas and worlds. It’s a way of setting the tone, almost like priming my mind to see things differently. During a session, I keep things flexible and welcome the model’s insights and fresh ideas, letting them blend with my vision. This openness keeps the process lively and organic and often leads to unexpected amazing moments in the work. It’s about letting ideas flow naturally and being ready to follow where they lead.

Looking to the future, what’s next for you?

Looking to the future, one of my main goals is to create a gallery exhibit in Cluj-Napoca centered on mythology and mysticism. I want this to be more than just a display of images; I envision it as a full experience where viewers can immerse themselves in a world that blends the ancient and the surreal.

Another direction that’s deeply inspiring to me is exploring Romanian folklore and legends in my work. There’s a unique cultural depth in these stories that I believe is timeless, and I’d love to bring them to life through a fine art lens, bridging the past and present in a way that resonates with today’s audience.

To complement this vision, I’m also interested in experimenting with new mediums like video or mixed-media installations. Adding elements of movement, sound, or texture could give viewers an even richer experience and allow me to explore storytelling in new, layered ways that go beyond the still image.