Mirrors of Brancusi

Project facts

Project promoter:
Art Production Foundation(RO)
Project Number:
RO-CULTURE-0017
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€179,022
Donor Project Partners:
CHRISTIAN WESTBLIKK(NO)
Other Project Partners
Resource Center Association for Active Citizenship(RO)

Description

Mirrors of Brancusi focuses on offering a deeper, clear perception of who Brancusi was and how his work influenced art long after his passing. To this end, we will employ: an interactive exhibition, new technologies, fresh information and new approaches. The project aims to develop and itinerate a multimedia production showcasing the life and works of Constantin Brancusi to new audiences. There will be 6 exhibits organised around key cultural events during the 12 months of the project, 5 in Romania and one in Bergen, Norway. We expect at least 1500 participants to visit the exhibition during the 12 months running time, average time spent at the exhibition should be around 35 to 50 minutes. The first part of the exhibition will be using video mapping to recreate Brancusi''s life. The images will be rendered by a graphic artist, using pictures from Brancusi''s life as inspiration. Visitors will walk along his formative years in Romania, his journey to Paris, his relationship with other artists of his time (Modigliani, Tzara, Breton, Picasso, Rodin), his older days, significant moments that shaped his perspective and art. The second part will include the works Sleep, The Endless Column, The Gate of the Kiss, Table of Silence. The work Kiss will be used as a starting point for creating two mirror-like installations that will invite people to see themselves. Having people be a part of Brancusi''s work will bring them closer to what Brancusi intended with his sculptures. Using only half of the Kiss, will leave just one partner waiting for the audience to come and fill in the space. In doing so, the participant will feel the kiss beyond a physical action – blinded by the closeness, suffocated by the embrace, the kiss becomes a state of mind, a mental connection, leaving the world behind. 

Summary of project results

The project aimed to bridge the gap between historical art and contemporary understanding by reinterpreting the legacy of the renowned sculptor Constantin Brâncusi for modern audiences. It also sought to enhance public engagement with cultural events, allowing people to connect more deeply with Brâncusi''s work. Additionally, it aimed to foster international collaboration and raise the profile of Romanian art and culture in the global artistic community.

The project involved 9 artists and experts from the artistic sector who collaborated on the organization of cultural events centered around the theme of Brâncusi’s legacy. The multimedia project Mirrors of Brâncusi was presented to the public, inviting visitors into an immersive conversation that reinterpreted Brâncusi’s work and philosophy for the present time. The project was showcased in Norway at the Kunstgarasjen Gallery in Bergen, broadening its international reach. It concluded in Bucharest at the Palatului Hall during the 25th edition of the George Enescu International Festival, marking a significant cultural event in Romania.

The Mirrors of Brâncusi project attracted around 5,086 visitors, who engaged in an unprecedented conversation that brought Brâncusi’s artistic essence closer to contemporary sensibilities. The project’s international presentation in Norway and the final exhibition in Bucharest contributed to promoting Romanian cultural heritage and art on a global stage. It allowed both local and international audiences to experience a reimagined connection with Brâncusi’s work, thereby strengthening cultural dialogue. The project benefited artists, experts, and the general public, deepening their appreciation for Brâncusi’s legacy and fostering a wider cultural exchange.

Summary of bilateral results

The partner from Norway attended the workshop organized by the project promoter and contributed with a presentation. As well, the donor project partner organized in Bergen an exhibition with the reinterpreted works of Brancusi.

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.