The celebrated Moldovan plastic artist Valentina Rusu-Ciobanu died today, just days after her 101st birthday. This was announced by Angela Brașoveanu, presidential adviser for cultural matters.

“As of today, the Artist’s seat remains empty. A great void remains in our national painting. Rest in peace, incomparable Valentina Rusu-Ciobanu. Thank you for choosing to live here this century,” Brașoveanu posted on Facebook.

Culture Minister Sergiu Prodan also expressed his condolences. “Valentina Rusu-Ciobanu will forever remain in the cultural history of Moldova as an artist of great value and immense talent, who inspired us and will continue to inspire us through her destiny, through the dignity, courage and love with which she exploited her talent and gave it to us all. I express my sincere condolences to her family, her son Lică Sainciuc son and her daughter-in-law Irina Șleahu, but also to all those who loved her”.

The minister noted that an exhibition featuring Valentina Rusu-Ciobanu’s paintings will remain opened until the end of the month.

Three days ago, Rusu-Ciobanu was honored in Parliament’s plenary session as Speaker Igor Grosu noted the artist’s invaluable contribution to Moldova’s culture.

Valentina Rusu-Ciobanu was born on 28 October 1920 in Chisinau. The artist studied in Iasi. Over the years she received several distinctions, including the National Award for Arts, the honorary title of People's Artist and the Order of the Republic, Moldova’s highest civilian honor.