The Venice Biennale - Pavilion of Romania

The Pavilion of Romania at the Venice Biennale is a focal point of cultural and artistic representation for the country, located in the Biennale Gardens, one of the main exhibition areas of the event. Since its first participation in 1907, the pavilion has provided a space for Romanian artists to present their works to an international audience, reflecting the historical, social, and political dynamics of Romania. The pavilion itself is a building with sober and functional architecture, which lends itself to multiple interpretations and uses. This versatile design has allowed for a wide range of artistic installations, from the most traditional to the most experimental. The main goal of the pavilion is to create a dialogue between contemporary Romanian art and global artistic currents, exploring relevant and provocative themes. A significant example of how the Pavilion of Romania uses space to explore complex themes is the 2024 edition, curated by Ciprian Mureșan with artist Șerban Savu. The exhibition, titled “What Work Is,” addresses the history and identity of Romania through a series of paintings and mosaics inspired by socialist realism. Savu’s work reorganizes the revolutionary tropes of workers united by political aspirations and the choreographic rhythms of industrial production, offering a critical and poetic reflection on the country’s past and present. The 2024 exhibition is divided into different thematic galleries, each with a specific focus. One of the galleries, “De-colonizing the Canon,” challenges the dominant historical narrative that sees the capital of Brazil, Brasília, as a modern creation in a deserted area. This section presents a series of works that highlight how indigenous and quilombola populations were expelled from the region long before the city’s construction, offering a more complex and diversified view of national formation and modernity in Brazil. Another important section of the exhibition is “Places of Origin, Archaeologies of the Future,” which begins with the screening of Ayrson Heráclito’s video, “The Shaking of the House of the Tower.” This video explores the importance of heritage and memory in archaeology, gathering projects and socio-spatial practices that reflect indigenous and Afro-Brazilian knowledge of the territory. These works emphasize the importance of collective memory and cultural resilience in the context of contemporary challenges. Romania’s participation in the Venice Biennale is not limited to the presentation of visual artworks. The pavilion often hosts collateral events, workshops, and conferences that offer the public the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the exhibited works and to interact directly with the artists and curators. These events enrich the visitors’ experience, creating a dynamic and interactive environment where art becomes a means to explore and discuss urgent themes. An example of this commitment to interaction and dialogue was the 2022 edition, curated by Adina Pintilie, which transformed the pavilion into a “contemporary cathedral” exploring the central role of intimacy in everyday life. Through an idiosyncratic and collaborative methodology, Pintilie created a space that celebrated connections between bodies beyond preconceptions, challenging visitors to reflect on their understanding of intimacy and human relationships. The Pavilion of Romania at the Venice Biennale is also a reflection of the country’s political and social dynamics. Many of the works presented directly address issues of identity, historical memory, and social justice, providing a platform for marginalized voices and criticism of power structures. This critical and inclusive approach makes the pavilion a place of relevance not only artistically, but also politically and socially.