In the new season, Art Safari presents the exhibition “Love Stories” from the National Portrait Gallery, London, one of the most important international museums, with the most extensive collection of portraits in the world.
At the same time, the endaevour dedicated to the recovery of the great Romanian masters continues with the artists Constantin Artachino (1870-1954) and Ion Alin Gheorghiu (1929-2001).
The contemporary wing of the Palace on Lipscani will present the duo show “Nymphs and Zombies”, artists Ondine Slimovschi and Paul Baraka, curated by Ruth Hibbard from the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.

“Love Stories” exhibition, curator: Lucy Peltz, exhibition made in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery, London

The portraits exhibited in Bucharest follow the changing face of love, through a series of real stories dominated by passion and tragedy. “Love Stories” is an exhibition-ode dedicated to love.
From the idea that love was a dangerous disease, to the contemporary celebration of it as a way to find fulfillment in life, love has been a constant and defining feature of humanity.

“Love Stories” also includes a Romanian section with works signed by Romanian artists, including the great painter Nicolae Grigorescu, but also the love correspondence between Constantin Brâncuși and one of his great loves, the dancer Florence Meyer.

Constantin Artachino (1870 – 1954) exhibition, curator: Elena Olariu, exhibition made in partnership with the Bucharest City Museum, scenography: Cosmin Florea

Artachino is considered a master of portrait and landscape in the history of Romanian art. He was attracted to the oriental and Balkan world, which he painted with silk brushes. He was distinguished by an elegant, balanced creation, clear lines and contours, perfectly harmonized.
An important and sophisticated artist, Artachino studied at the School of Belle-Arte, where he was a student of Theodor Aman, but also in Paris, at the Julian Academy, where he was a colleague of Nicolae Vermont and Ştefan Luchian. Moreover, he makes friends with them and forms artistic groups. For his exceptional merits as a painter and as a teacher, he was decorated by King Ferdinand in 1915 and by King Charles II in 1931.

The scenography of the exhibition is signed by Cosmin Florea, one of the most appreciated theater scenographers in Romania. He collaborated with important directors from Romania and France, and in 2022 he won the Uniter award for the best scenography. “Pădurea spânzuraților” (directed by Radu Afrim), “Exile” (directed by Alexandra Badea) are some of the plays representative of his universe.

Ion Alin Gheorghiu (1929-2001), artist of the Suspended Gardens, exhibition curated by: Anamaria Smigelschi, curatorial text by Andrei Pleșu

Art Safari exhibits abstract and large canvases, signed by one of the most important Romanian postmodern painters, Ion Alin Gheorghiu.
“Each image is a synthesis of sensuality and discipline, of genuine spontaneity and sober “classicism”, with discreet baroque undertones… Alin Gheorghiu has all the data of a far-reaching master, a model of professionalism and inspiration. Unfortunately, I sometimes have the feeling that the need for models is diminished today, in a crisis of criteria and culture. A plausible solution to this, I hope, temporary crisis is the very exhibition at Art Safari” – excerpt from the curatorial text written by Andrei Pleșu.

Exhibition “Nymphs and Zombies: Ondine’s Hope and Baraka’s Despair”, curator: Ruth Hibbard

The exhibition brings together the creations of two contemporary artists, with two diametrically opposed visions, in an unconventional exhibition.
Ruth Hibbard, curator: “An exhibition with two different entrances! The works of both artists are brought together in the middle of the exhibition space, in a single room, which you can access from both sides. Here you can compare the different visions of Ondine and Baraka and decide if you’re on Team Nymphs or Team Zombies.”
Ondine Slimovschi (b. 1982) is an artist of serene mythology and the bestiary of beautiful fairy tales. Using the female portrait as a tool to suggest strong emotions, Paul Baraka (b. 1994) is an artist who focuses on shocking and provocative subjects. His approach is also critical, highlighting the banality of evil through sarcasm and irony.

In addition to the four exhibitions, Art Safari will also exhibit a series of installations. Children are also welcome at the creative workshops and personalized guided tours, as part of Art Safari Kinder.

Art Safari Program (June 30-September 10, 2023)
– Thursday-Sunday – 12:00-21:00;
– Night Tours – every Friday and Saturday 22:00-1:00 (special guided tour experiences in all exhibitions and prosecco)
Tickets can be purchased here or directly at the entrance.
Address: Palatul Dacia-România, street Lipscani, no. 18-20, Bucharest

Cover photo: Silviu Covac