Nucleu 0002. The Image of My Body
Coordinated by Gabriela Mateescu, August 2014
Artists: Vlad Anghel, Alexandra Ivanciu, Gabriela Mateescu, Marina Oprea, taietzel ticalos, Tristan, Vangjush Vellahu
Centrul Artelor Vizuale, Bucharest
After our first exhibition Nucleu 0001 took place, we received the invitation from The Union of Artists to coordinate one of their spaces dedicated to new media art, Centrul Artelor Vizuale Multimedia center. We were just starting and didn`t even know where to begin, we made a Facebook page, that was later erased, and lasted only a year as the constant pressure to do an exhibition every month was too much for the group, as the voluntary work was too much.
We managed to do few solo exhibitions for the members of the group and some group exhibitions before exhaustion, and after a year we started to do again pop-up events.
Following the success of our first exhibition, Nucleu 0001, an exciting opportunity arose when The Union of Artists extended an invitation for our group to coordinate one of their spaces specifically dedicated to new media art—Centrul Artelor Vizuale Multimedia center. This marked a significant milestone for our emerging group, but it also presented a set of challenges as we navigated the responsibilities and expectations associated with this new venture.
In response to this opportunity, our group took the initiative to establish a presence on social media, creating a Facebook page as a platform to promote and share the events and exhibitions hosted at Centrul Artelor Vizuale.
Despite the initial enthusiasm, the constant pressure and workload led to our eventual departure after only a year. The very young artists found it challenging to sustain the pace of monthly exhibitions, which contributed to a sense of exhaustion among the members. The toll of voluntary work and the demanding schedule prompted a reevaluation of the group’s approach to managing the space.
In response to this exhaustion, the artists pivoted and shifted their focus. Instead of the regular monthly exhibitions, the members opted for a more sustainable model—organizing solo exhibitions for its members and occasional group exhibitions. This shift allowed the group to continue its engagement with the art scene while avoiding burnout.
The decision to transition to pop-up events demonstrated a flexibility and adaptability that allowed the group to balance its artistic endeavors with the practical realities of voluntary work and limited resources. It highlights the importance of finding a sustainable pace in the creative industry, acknowledging the challenges, and adjusting strategies to ensure the longevity and well-being of the artistic community.
The technologization of society has ushered in a profound transformation in how we perceive and experience the human body. From a biological standpoint, the body has been decontextualized as the lines between the real and the simulated become increasingly blurred. The rise of virtual spaces, essentially an open matrix of infinite possibilities for interaction and transformation, has played a pivotal role in reshaping our understanding of the body.
In this virtual realm, the image of the body takes on an unprecedented relevance. No longer confined to its biological existence, the body becomes an object open to manipulation and transformation. The very essence of the physical form is now subject to the malleable nature of the digital world, where simulation and hybridization of reality have become commonplace.
The obsessive scrutiny of the body in this digital age involves a continuous cycle of analysis, exposure, and modification. The body is no longer a static entity but rather a canvas for experimentation and reinvention.
This transformation prompts a fundamental reevaluation of the relationship between personal space and social space. Intimacy, once characterized by clearly defined and often rigid boundaries, has become more fluid. The intersection of personal and social spaces is now influenced by the virtual dimension, challenging traditional notions of privacy and intimacy.
As technology enables new forms of communication and connection, the very concept of personal space undergoes a redefinition. The boundaries that once delineated private and public spheres become permeable, raising questions about the nature of human connection and the evolving dynamics of social interaction.
