He was born on Petricani, Neamt County on 16^th of July, 1970. He graduated from the Faculty of Orthodox Theology “Dumitru Stăniloae” within “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Department of Sacred Art – Religious Painting. He dedicates himself, in 1990, to the painting of icons and wall painting (fresco) a few years later, a road that walked and walks with faith in what he does and in God. Ciprian Istrate had as mentors Michelangelo and Morosanu brothers from Suceava which recognizes their merit in its formation. Since 1996 participates in national and international group exhibitions, organizes its exhibitions at galleries in Piatra Neamt. Over the years was awarded the distinction “Pious Paraskeva” granted by the Romanian Patriarchate in 1999, and the distinction” Stephanus Magnus Defensor Fidei Cristiani” given in Iasi in 2007. Also in 2007, at the biennial “Lascar Vorel” received a special award.

In his works, Ciprian Istrate is, or should be, tributary to the canons of Byzantine iconography that is otherwise recognized, in the murals of medieval churches in Moldova His art, which watch us from frescoes and icons, harness the rigor symbols, its imaginary potential, presenting us an eternity dialogue with modernity, whose son is. In this sense, the artist experiences an open dialogue with other religions, as can be seen in his works. Some of them are frescoes, pieces detached from the church wall and framed, which incite and provoke reactions for and against, as happened, for example, at the “International Exhibition in Venice d’Arte Contemporanea Omaggio a Stefan Luchian” organized in tribute to Stefan Luchian.

For Ciprian Istrate beings on earth are equal before God, therefore, Divinity is everywhere, even in a vase of flowers or a landscape, only representation is different. Once you have made contact with Her and you abandoned Them altogether, you can paint and convey ideas, entering into dialogue with others. If you are not sure of what you do, your work lacks substance, has no life, do not say anything.

We look forward a new exhibition that will surprise us with works in that he puts his heart and faith in lines and colors as only he knows how to do it.