Nicole Jutka: The Artist Who Transforms Identity into a Universal Art Form

Discover the story of artist Nicole Jutka – an inspiring journey from Bucharest to the international stage, blending art, culture, and identity.

Nicole Jutka, visual artist, curator, and president of the Part of World Association, is the founder of Nicole Jutka Gallery – a space dedicated to contemporary art, intercultural dialogue, and art-based education. She builds bridges between art, people, and communities, developing projects that blend painting, installation, performance, and educational art with an intercultural and deeply human vision.
Her works, exhibited as collateral events at the Venice Biennale, Art Basel Miami, MNȚR, the Loeffler Museum, and in galleries in Germany, France, and Switzerland, are part of private collections around the world. Nicole Jutka has received numerous awards, including recognition in the Top 100 Romanians Abroad, RePatriot 2021, for her contributions to art and culture. Through international projects such as PRAY LOVE PEACE, she promotes an art that inspires, unites, and transforms communities.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in one sentence to spark curiosity in those who don’t know you yet?
Nicole Jutka: I try to translate light, emotions, political and social ideas into experiences and concepts, inviting the viewer to reflect, engage in dialogue, change, education, and perhaps… joy.

C&B: If we look at the narrative thread of your career or business, what were the defining moments?
Nicole Jutka: The defining moments were the exhibitions in museums, then the collateral shows at the Venice Biennale and Art Basel Miami, as well as the launch of Nicole Jutka Gallery—a platform where I combine my own creations with supporting emerging artists. Collaborating with prestigious cultural institutions and being involved in educational projects for children and vulnerable communities helped shape my artistic direction: art as a tool for peace, healing, education—art as a silent voice.

C&B: What has been the most challenging moment in your journey so far, and how did you overcome it?
Nicole Jutka: The most difficult moment was during the pandemic when everything seemed suspended. I transformed isolation into a space for introspection and creation, working on the PRAY LOVE PEACE project, which has since been and will continue to be presented in international exhibitions, becoming a platform for intercultural dialogue—an important message in today’s world.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Nicole Jutka: Yes, my dream is to create bridges through art between people and cultures, to give a voice to those who are unheard, and to leave the world a little better through educational projects and socially impactful exhibitions.

C&B: What were you like at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve evolved?
Nicole Jutka: In the beginning, I was a dreamy artist with a rebellious and curious energy. Then, with the arrival of my two sons, my artistic activity gradually grew alongside them. Today, I feel more grounded, more aware of the power of art as a tool for change. I’ve shifted from creating just for myself to creating for communities, for dialogue, and for education.

C&B: If we met your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Nicole Jutka: I think they would say that I’m a catalyst for ideas, a passionate and determined person who inspires trust and sees potential where others see only obstacles.

C&B: What is the most important decision you’ve made that changed your trajectory?
Nicole Jutka: The decision to return, after 35 years in Germany, with artistic and educational projects in Romania, laying the foundations of Nicole Jutka Gallery and the Part of World Association, which open new perspectives for me, contemporary art, and cultural dialogue. The place where I grew up—Bucharest—calls me back with a deep longing for the roots where I was born.

C&B: How did you develop your leadership style or decision-making process? Was it natural or learned?
Nicole Jutka: It was a natural process, but also shaped by international experiences and contact with diverse teams. As an art educator, I’ve learned to listen, to manage, to organize, to create space for others’ ideas—blending my personal vision with authentic collaboration.

C&B: What do you believe sets your business or professional approach apart from the rest of the industry?
Nicole Jutka: Nicole Jutka Gallery is not just an art gallery—it’s a space for connection between disciplines, cultures, and communities. My projects combine visual art with music, poetry, philosophy, and education, offering immersive and unique experiences, also tailored for companies, hotels, and corporate spaces.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the most satisfaction?
Nicole Jutka: A typical day begins with research and drawing, followed by studio work or project planning. I enjoy walking in the park, meeting friends, and playing tennis. The greatest satisfactions come from moments of pure creation, artistic flow, and encounters with people who let themselves be inspired by art. However, my greatest joy is the happiness and fulfillment of my children. They are the most beautiful creation in my life, and for that, I thank God.

C&B: What values or principles guide your work, and how do you apply them in daily life?
Nicole Jutka: Authenticity, seriousness, respect for culture and nature, education through art, and generosity. I strive to integrate them into everything I do—whether it’s a painting, a performance, or an educational project.

C&B: How did the idea come about to start this business and give it this name?
Nicole Jutka: Nicole Jutka Gallery bears my name because it represents both my own creations and the universe of artists I support. The idea came during the pandemic, from the desire to create an independent, international platform where art is free and bold. Since the locations are in apartments, a cozy atmosphere is created, but I hope to receive support in Romania to open a space in Bucharest where I can also develop educational work.

C&B: If you could send a message to people following in your footsteps, what would it be?
Nicole Jutka: Never give up on your inner voice and on authenticity, because art—and any form of creativity—is most powerful when it comes from truth and from a desire to make the world a better place.

Nicole Jutka continues to build bridges between cultures, inspire through art, and prove that Romanian roots can shine internationally. Her stories are not only heard but felt—in every exhibition, every project, every genuine smile.