Plastic artists from Romania, Moldova exhibit works in Chisinau

Chisinau, 02 August /MOLDPRES/ – Over 40 plastic artists from Romania and Moldova presented their works at itinerant exhibition: "Crucea, de la comunitate la comuniune. 100 de cruci la 100 de ani" (The cross, from community to communion, 100 crosses at 100 years), which was varnished today at the National Art Museum of Moldova (MNAM).

Interviewed by agency, director of institution, Tudor Zbarnea, has mentioned that the exhibition presents works of contemporary art with explicit or implicitly religious themes, as well as objects used in religious practice (icons, crosses, religious seals). The typology of objects is varied, from icon to easel painting and sculpture, from folk art to worship, but in all it is the Cross: as a self – sacrifice, overcoming our own boundaries and barriers as support and hope, as a sign of the victory of death recorded in creation.

According to cited source, participants of exhibition are contemporary painters and sculptors, among which are the first personalities of Romanian art: Horia Bernea, Vasile Gorduz, Paul Gherasim, Horea Pastina, Ovidiu Oravitzan, Dan Mohanu, etc. Three artists from Moldova: Ion Zderciuc, Simion Zamsa and Elena Karacenteva. "It is an itinerant exhibition, which debuted on 30 November 2017 in Alba – Iulia, then it was varnished in Iasi and Sibiu, and this year will be hosted in three other cities in Romania: Cluj – Napoca, Timisoara and Bucharest", said Tudor Zbarnea.

At his turn, Romanian painter Horea Pastina has stated that this is a symbolic exhibition. "The cross is the tree of life, and it unites us from birth to the end of the last road. Our duty is to be close to each other. We want this exhibition to bring joy," said Horea Pastina. Within context, Romanian plastic artist Dan Mohanu has added that exhibition includes landscapes, crosses, icons, bells and other objects related to Christian life universe.

Sculptor Ion Zderciuc mentioned for agency that he exhibited three works: "Omagiu lui Ion Vatamanu" (Homage to Ion Vatamanu), "Transcendenta" (Transcendence) and "Crucea calatoare" (The travelling cross), and Simion Zamsa said he came with two works, one of which was made of mould of grandfather, on which he made fur caps. 

According to Priest John Bizau, a professor at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Cluj – Napoca, the cross has a cosmic dimension, and this dimension is also found in crosses of peasants. "The cross is the tree of life, a universal symbol, and its size unites the sky with earth. The cross is a symbol of sacrifice of everyone," said Priest and Professor John Bizau.

The exhibition is organised by MNAM and Association Eleon from Romania. It is open until 09 September.

(Reporter N. Roibu, editor M. Jantovan)