Salonul de proiecte presents the exhibition “A Family’s Legend,” conceived by Dimitrie Grigorescu and Maria Grigorescu.
„The project proposes an anthropological and artistic investigation rooted in Ion Grigorescu’s interest in the broader history of his family, as evidenced by a series of publications that reorganize the archives recovered by the artist. This history is presented within an intergenerational and intercultural framework, where perspectives from diverse geographical and social contexts converge. The approach aims to blur the boundaries between art and everyday life, between artistic and non-artistic concerns, questioning the role and relevance of the artistic persona in relation to family and collective memory. Through objects, traces, and testimonies, the project recovers micro-histories that outline a genealogy spanning nearly 150 years. The result is an installation that combines works of art with personal materials and historical documents, expanding upon the research that formed the basis of a first exhibition held in 2006.
“A Family’s Legend” examines artistic subjectivity from a perspective different from the usual one, situating it within a temporal and spatial continuum that navigates between personal life and professional or vocational life. The exhibition reflects a critical stance toward the “exceptionality” of the artist’s figure within the family and society – a notion perpetuated by modernity, which promoted the idea of genius as the sole visible vehicle of creation. Thus, the exhibition proposes an alternative way of viewing the artist’s position, in a much more nuanced manner and connected to the human, social, and political dimensions of existence. It is significant that an established artist chooses to view himself with modesty, as part of a generational continuum in which family members are evoked with appreciation, care, and affection, the baton being generously passed on to the younger generation. The exhibition is configured as a study room where the public is invited to spend more time, discovering details that anchor this family’s branching trajectory within a broad cultural and historical context.
This initiative can be viewed from two perspectives. First, it was conceived as an encouragement to archive documents and record family microhistories, which, more often than not, are scattered and lost. Second, the initiative also serves as an example of musealization or public sharing of values passed down through generations, bringing together figures unknown outside this family context with cultural figures such as Ruxandra and Ion Grigorescu, Adela and Radu Petrescu, Georgeta Năpăruș, and Octav Grigorescu. The exhibition unfolds a compelling history that begins around 1848, revealing a series of unexpected narratives. It interweaves experiences from diverse geographical regions and social backgrounds, encompassing a range of professions and vocations, as well as creative processes that have undergone multiple transformations over time. Beyond the individual figures and stories, a broader trajectory becomes visible – one that traces the evolution of forms of knowledge across generations.” (curatorial text)
The exhibition, on display until May 31st, is complemented by a series of public talks held throughout May by the following guests: Simona Popescu, Magda Predescu, Lila Passima, Iuliana Dumitru, and Oana Mateescu.
This exhibition is organized by the Salonul de proiecte Association as part of the project “Ion Grigorescu: A Family’s Legend.” Supported by: Foundation for Arts Initiatives
Cultural project co-financed by the Administration of the National Cultural Fund
The project does not necessarily represent the position of the Administration of the National Cultural Fund. AFCN is not responsible for the content of the project or how the results of the project can be used. These are entirely the responsibility of the grantee.
