Kontakt Association: artist's talks, lectures and more

Starting in 2015, we expanded our scope beyond the exhibition program, establishing a meaningful partnership with the Kontakt Association to develop a comprehensive cultural and educational initiative. The cultural calendar crafted by the association has become a pivotal platform for hosting a wide array of events, including artist talks, informative lectures, and the publication of art catalogs, among other activities. In collaboration with Mobius Gallery, Kontakt Association is at the forefront of promoting a dynamic cultural agenda that revolves around contemporary art originating from Romania and Eastern Europe. This collaborative effort has rapidly solidified its position as a prominent and influential presence in the local cultural landscape dedicated to the world of contemporary art.

 

KONTAKT WEBSITE CAN BE FOUND HERE

Prominent artists and public figures are rallying behind a heartfelt campaign spearheaded by the family of Vintilă Mihăilescu, a renowned anthropologist. Vintilă Mihăilescu, celebrated as one of Romania's most esteemed anthropologists, and a distinguished university professor at the National School of Political and Administrative Studies (SNSPA), has been confronted with a diagnosis of acute myeloblastic leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer. The campaign's aim is to raise the necessary funds for a life-saving transplant operation.

Were you aware of the existence of Okapis? This captivating creature, akin to a fantastical creation, stands as a genuine marvel of the natural world. Thriving in the concealed realms of tropical forests, the Okapi possesses lustrous fur adorned with striking tones of brown and white, and a physique that appears to blend the grace of a giraffe with the quirkiness of a zebra, defying the norms of the animal kingdom. Its genetic uncommonness and singularity may cast it as an apparent anomaly, but, in reality, these traits serve as testaments to a hidden beauty—a diversity that warrants both admiration and celebration.

A project that captures the experiences of individuals with dwarfism through both visual and audio documentation, with the artist's aim to convey a message to both the general public and authorities on behalf of this community, which often faces disadvantages in various aspects of daily life. "Walking the same Earth as you" delves into the lives of those who undergo a process of "diminishing in stature." It explores themes of diversity, acceptance, inclusivity, beauty, self-assurance, as well as respect and empathy.

How can we approach and interpret a piece of contemporary art from diverse angles? Are there uncharted territories beyond the conventional viewpoints that not all of us have explored? If such perspectives exist, what might they entail?

 

The event represents a collection of sessions involving professionals from non-art fields, whom we have invited to share their unique perspectives on contemporary art. As we explore various exhibitions created and presented by Mobius, each of these specialists will bring their distinct professional expertise and a unique interpretive lens that differs from the established norms within the contemporary art community.

Irina Moreno, an alumna of the Sotheby's Institute of Art in London, has previously hosted a series of illuminating lectures, organised by Kontakt Association. These sessions delved extensively into the intricacies of the art market, expanding participants' perspectives and knowledge of art beyond the rudimentary like/dislike categorization. The primary goal was to cultivate a more nuanced awareness and a deeper understanding of the multifaceted realm of art. Art enthusiasts who attended these past sessions embarked on a journey that allowed them to uncover the captivating mechanisms that have historically underpinned the art market.