The Museum of Art Collections in Bucharest will open a unique exhibition, Old Maps and New Art: 500 Years of Old History and New Art in 100 Objects from the Emilian Radu Collection, next week, from May 15 to September 22. Curated by Erwin Kessler, this exhibition brings together 100 representative items from the Emilian Radu collection, a treasure trove of historical and artistic significance.
Collection Evolution
Emilian Radu's collection began in 2001 with the acquisition of antiques and old maps, particularly those related to the Romanian Principalities, the Balkans, and Southeastern Europe. Over the years, it expanded to include rare books, vintage photography, historical documents, and objects of biographical significance. After 2010, Radu shifted from a traditional collector to a patron of contemporary artists, actively supporting new artistic creations.
Curatorial Vision
The exhibition conceptually juxtaposes historical artifacts with contemporary art pieces, creating a dialogue that spans centuries. For instance, the White Series by the Prolog group is displayed alongside African tribal masks, while documents from Napoleon Bonaparte and Wallachia Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu are featured. Western maps are paired with local liturgical books and reinterpretations by Tara von Neudorf. The Romanian contemporary art scene is also showcased, with works by Ana Lupaș, Mircea Cantor, Ion Grigorescu, Ecaterina Vrana, Dumitru Gorzo, Victoria, and Marian Zidaru.
Conceptual Core
The exhibition's conceptual core is the history of Romania and the preservation and promotion of its artistic and visual landmarks. This vision is encapsulated in the brand Imago Romaniae, which aims to reflect the essence of Romanian artistry and heritage.
