On October 7, 2025, Cărturești Bookstore at ParkLake Shopping Center hosted one of the most intimate and courageous public events of the cultural project “Breaking the Silence: A Visual Narrative on Emotions Left Unspoken”, initiated by Empower Art & Artists Association. Titled “The Gift of Emotions”, the gathering brought together psychologists, artists, medical professionals, public figures, and a large audience in a shared space of vulnerability, reflection, and open dialogue about depression and the emotions that define us – often in silence.
Moderated by writer Marius Chivu, the conversation offered more than expertise – it offered authentic human presence.
What does it mean to suffer in silence?
How does depression feel beyond clinical definitions?
How can it be recognized in small gestures?
And what does it really mean to ask for help?
The speakers included public figures and professionals from a variety of fields. Actress Ada Galeș spoke about fragility and the need to be heard without judgment. Horia Tecău, former tennis champion and Olympic medalist, revealed how high performance often comes with unseen internal pressure.
Diana Gătej Onilă, psychologist, emphasized how easily the signs of depression can be overlooked without emotional education. Simona Trifu, psychiatrist, provided a clear perspective on how depression manifests and the importance of appropriate treatment. Ioana Necula, CEO of Genesis College, highlighted the crucial role of schools in supporting teenagers, and artist Cinty Ionescu reflected on the need to build internal spaces where emotions can be processed – through art or beyond it.
In the same spirit, the project also launched an online dialogue platform: “Breaking the Silence Community”, a public Facebook group where members can ask questions, access educational resources, and connect directly with a psychiatrist who offers professional support. This virtual space aims to become an extension of the real-life project – a place of support, learning, and connection.
The event is part of the cultural project “Breaking the Silence: A Visual Narrative on Emotions Left Unspoken”, developed by Empower Art & Artists Association.
Cultural project co-funded by the Romanian Administration of the National Cultural Fund (AFCN).
This project does not necessarily represent the views of AFCN. AFCN is not responsible for the content of the project or the ways in which its results may be used. These are entirely the responsibility of the funding recipient.
