Culture and faith

Unknown artist

This is a copy of a sculpture called Mademoisell Pogany by a well-known Romanian sculptor Constantin Brâncuși. I have this sculputre for many years. I've liked it since I was living in Romania. I like how it looks, and I've bought it as a gift for people too. In December 2008, Eiro, the Irish-Romanian Cultural and Business Association, had an exhibition in Limerick with the City council. I chose this as a piece for the exhibition. In a way, it reminds me of Romania. I keep it my room - as soon as I see it, it brings me back to home. I am from Timișoara in Romania. I came to Ireland in 2007. I chose Ireland as I already have a cousin living here. I came both to work and study and improve my English. Limerick is the only place I have lived outside Romania. I've made a life for myself. I like it here, it's easy-going in a way. When I first moved, I was amazed at how many different nationalities are living here. Back in Timișoara, we are mainly one ethnicity, but while I've been here I've met people from so many different places. I've also brought this icon from Mănăstirea Agapia, a monastery in the north of Romania. It shows our lady, mother of Christ. In the Orthodox Church, we believe she has a great power. The title of icon is the sweet kissing icon. A friend brought this as a present. She is my protector.