Opening event co-organised with FABER for the exhibitions PERFORMING 89. STATES OF DISILLUSIONS and BRIGHT CITYSCAPES: Turn Signals—Design is not a Dashboard.
7.9.2023, 18:00 | opening PERFORMING 89 (space I)
7.9.2023, 18:30 | opening BRIGHT CITYSCAPES (spaces II and III)
7.9.2023, 19:30 | indie & electro concert with Șuie Paparude & Zimbru (co-organised with FABER & UPT, FABER courtyard)
8–9.9.2023, 13:00 & 18:00 | guided tours PERFORMING 89 (space I)
8–9.9.2023, 12:00 & 19:00 | guided tours BRIGHT CITYSCAPES (spaces II & III)
9.9.2023, 17:00 | Debate on the role of collaborations bringing together research and design, moderated by Martina Muzi and Aric Chen with: Nadine Botha, Loredana Gaiţă, Oana Simionescu și Alina Șerban
7.9–22.10.2023 | Performing 89 Artists’ Bookshelf @ La Două Bufniţe Bookshop
Between September 7–October 22, 2023, The Institute of the Present presents PERFORMING 89. STATES OF DISILLUSION, an exhibition that weaves together some of the intricate storylines of the nineties which emerged in the light of political and social turns occurring after 1989. Engaging with the decade’s legacy and geographically circumscribing its research to the otherwise contrasted historical paths followed by countries like Romania, Hungary and Serbia, PERFORMING 89 traces the intersecting lines of these diverse realities which experienced euphoria and defiance, loss and transformation, war and demystification. The exhibition features a diverse range of medium-based artworks that, retrospectively, lie between documentary and subjective artistic investigation.
Artists: APSOLUTNO, Balázs Beöthy, Nikola Džafo, Miomir Grujić Fleka, FIA Art Group, Teodor Graur, Róza El-Hassan, Big Hope, Iosif Király, LED ART, LITTLE WARSAW, Dan Mihălţianu, Saša Marković Mikrob, Csaba Nemes, Vesna Pavlović, Lia Perjovschi, Dan Perjovschi, Škart, subREAL, Újlak, Sorin Vreme / Curator: Alina Șerban
The opening is scheduled on September 7 at 18:00, with the participation of the guest artists and is followed by a concert with Șuie Paparude, featuring Zimbru, which marks the opening of the exhibitions PERFORMING 89, organised by The Institute of the Present, and BRIGHT CITYSCAPES: Turn Signals—Design is not a Dashboard, organised by FABER and the Polytechnic University of Timișoara, events taking place on the same day. The opening weekend also includes guided tours and debates scheduled for September 8 and 9.
Șuie Paparude is one of the first electronic bands in Romania, founded in 1993. Being the most experienced Romanian breakbeat act, the group approaches an alternative new-wave musical style. They are recognised as the classics of electronic music, having a distinct sound and style comparable to very few other local bands. In 2023, Șuie Paparude means: Michi, Dobrica, Junkyard.
Zimbru is one of the most promising indie and art-rock bands in Romania. They combine elegant and moody vocals, challenging analog synth riffs with unique textures and analog and electronic drums. Made up of four friends: Teodora Retegan, Paul Bucovesan, Andrei Bobiș and Oana Pop, the band Zimbru creates, through its music, nostalgic and playful stories.
PERFORMING 89 is part of the “Uncensored Act” programme organised by The Institute of the Present between 2021–2023.
Programme concept and direction: Ștefania Ferchedău
Exhibition concept and curator: Alina Șerban
Management: Bianca Floarea, ZonaD
Architecture: Alex Todirică
Production: Paul Stoie, Paul Kerekes
Visual identity: Daniel & Andrew Design Studio
Communication: Felicia Moga, Cecilia Gheorghe, Alina Doroș
This project is supported by the Romanian Order of Architects, from the Architectural Stamp Duty.
Sponsors: Köber Industries, Crama Dealul Dorului, Siniat
Supported by: Goethe Institute Bucharest, Foundation for Contemporary Arts Emergency Grants
Main Partner: FABER
Partners: Art Encounters, La Două Bufniţe, Romanian Order of Architects Timiș County, Beta (Timișoara Architecture Biennial)
Logistic Partners: Galeria Plan B, Salonul de Proiecte, Muzeul Cineastului Amator, Kodex, EUROTRANS Foundation
Media Partners: rfi România, Cărturești Timișoara, Radio România Cultural
Image credit: Iosif Király, from the series “Indirect (Romania),” 1990–1999
The project does not necessarily represent the standpoint of the Administration of the National Cultural Fund. AFCN cannot be held liable for the content of the project or the manner in which the outcomes of the project may be used. These shall devolve entirely on the beneficiary of the financing.