The exhibition “Self and Shadow: Unmasking Contemporary Identity” opened at the Meron Gallery, located in the vibrant center of Cluj-Napoca, on the ground floor of the Blau Ullmann Palace, a historical monument built in 1910, presents a selection of 11 works by the artist Claudiu Ciobanu from Iasi, coming from a private collection.
“The exhibition offers a unique and introspective artistic experience, where visitors will be invited to enter a world where the boundaries between human and technological are blurring, and the search for self-understanding becomes a central story. The exhibition is a significant event for all those seeking to explore pressing current themes such as technological advancement and its impact on human identity.
The central theme of Claudiu Ciobanu’s works is hidden identities. The characters are presented in a state of concealment, partially masked by vegetation or reflective surfaces. This motif of hidden identities serves as a metaphor for the complex and often obscure nature of self-identity in the modern world. The characters’ camouflage invites viewers to ponder the layers of their identity masked by social expectations, technological interfaces, and environmental influences.
The theme addressed in this exhibition is the impact of technology on human identity. In an age where social media and digital personas often overshadow our true selves, Claudiu’s works challenge us to peel back these layers and seek a deeper understanding of who we really are. This is a particularly relevant theme today, where rapid technological advancement is changing how we perceive ourselves and those around us.” (Excerpt from the exhibition text)
“I chose Claudiu Ciobanu for this exhibition and I think he fits well with Galeria Meron as his works are innovative and full of symbolism, fitting perfectly with our mission to promote art that stimulates thought and introspection. The vivid colors and elaborate compositions of Claudiu Ciobanu’s works go beyond simple aesthetics, full of symbols that express the complexity of the human experience. Using mirrors and translucent surfaces, the artist establishes a connection between what is visible and invisible, between conscious and subconscious. The symbols present in his many works reveal not only our exterior but also our inner states. They invite introspection and self-knowledge, challenging viewers to explore their identities and reflect on the essence of their being” – Crina Ciocian, curator at the Meron Gallery.
Claudiu Ciobanu, born in 1984, lives and works in Iasi, Romania. He is a figurative painter whose recent works are a remarkable testimony to his unique vision and deep awareness of contemporary issues. Using personal photography and allegorical imagery, the artist explores the human condition and contemporary topics such as climate change, technology and posthumanism. In his works, he often conceals the identity of his characters, inviting viewers to reflect on their relationship with the world around them.
Claudiu Ciobanu’s visual practice is distinctly focused on painting and drawing. In these mediums, the artist constantly expresses his aesthetic concerns and experiments, thus contributing to contemporary artistic discourse through an innovative and reflective approach. Recently, his attention has turned to studying the body and its complex relationship with society. In 2024, he participated in a research residency on “body politics” at the prestigious Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW) in Berlin, Germany.
The exhibition is open to the public until August 16, 2024. Admission is free.
