The "George Enescu" National University of Arts (UNAGE) in Iasi conferred the title of Doctor Honoris Causa on renowned art historian and critic Doina Lemny during a ceremony held on Thursday, marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of pioneering sculptor Constantin Brancusi.
Opening the event, UNAGE Rector Aurelian Balaita described the distinction as "an act of honor and profound joy", paying tribute to a scholar who has devoted her life to researching, interpreting, and promoting one of the central figures of modern art.
"We have gathered today, on Constantin Brancusi National Day, to confer the highest academic distinction on Dr. Doina Lemny. It is not only a gesture of institutional recognition, but also a reaffirmation of the intellectual and spiritual values that UNAGE Iasi has cultivated over time," the rector said.
Addressing the audience, Doina Lemny recalled her personal connection to Iasi, the city where she studied and began her career, and which now honors her at a symbolic moment - three decades into her research dedicated to Brancusi.
"My life has always been driven by a passion for art, especially sculpture. My research has allowed me to broaden my cultural horizons, within which Brâncusi's personality has earned a permanent place. Only passion could lead me to decipher every document in the archive and analyze each work from multiple perspectives. I have always valued collaboration with colleagues in Romania, especially those who share similar interests," she said.
Doina Lemny is an internationally recognized specialist in Brancusi's work, and has been based in Paris for many years. She graduated from the French - English program at the "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iasi in 1977, earned a Diploma of Advanced Studies in Art History at the Sorbonne in 1992, and completed her PhD in art history in 1997.
Professionally, she distinguished herself as a curator at the Musée National d'Art Moderne - Centre Pompidou, contributing to major exhibitions dedicated to modern art and to Brancusi in France and abroad. For more than two decades, she has taken part in conferences, colloquia, and guided tours dedicated to the sculptor, promoting his work across Europe.
Her distinctions include the National Order "For Merit" in the rank of Knight (2019), the Romanian Academy's "Cultural Distinction" diploma (2019 - 2020), the UNITER President's Award (2022), and Doctor Honoris Causa titles from the "Constantin Brancusi" University of Targu Jiu (2023) and the University of Arts in Timisoara (2024).
Thursday's ceremony in Iasi honored not only her remarkable academic career, but also her contribution to promoting Romanian cultural heritage internationally, particularly the legacy of one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century.
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