The genesis of the first exhibition, Nucleu 0001, marked a pivotal moment for a group of young, recently graduated artists led by Gabriela Mateescu. The artists found themselves thrust into the art world after spending five years focused on drawing still life with very few experimental works and minimal exposure to the broader art scene. Feeling ill-equipped to navigate the complex art landscape, they were determined to carve out a space for themselves.

In the context of Bucharest, where only a handful of commercial galleries existed and artist-run spaces were scarce, the group faced a significant challenge in finding a suitable venue for their exhibition. Undeterred, they identified a semi-abandoned space within the premises held by the Union of Artists. This space, lacking proper lighting and situated far from the city center, required navigating across railway tracks to reach and the local garbage company had one of its headquarters across form the “gallery”.

Despite the challenging conditions, Nucleu 0001 served as a Manifesto for these emerging artists. The decision to embrace an unconventional, inadequate space reflected not only the limitations they faced but also their determination to create a platform for their work. This initial exhibition set the stage for a transformative journey. The group came back 2 years later to organize Nucleu 0005 with a big experimental concert, before one of the most important Romanian galleries, Nicodim Gallery, moved in shortly after the exhibition ended.

Over time, the space that once seemed marginal and remote evolved into a vibrant hub for the arts, Combinatul Fondului Plastic. As commercial galleries gradually relocated to this area, a collaborative spirit emerged among them. The collective effort to organize events and exhibitions in the once-neglected space not only revitalized it but also established it as a significant center for artistic expression.

The story of Nucleu 0001 encapsulates the resilience and resourcefulness of emerging artists navigating a challenging environment. What began as a response to a lack of resources and opportunities eventually transformed into a thriving artistic community that played a crucial role in reshaping the local art scene.