"Brâncovenii"(The Brâncoveanu Legacy) is a meticulously curated photographic exhibition, imbued with artistic nuance and historical resonance. Through the lens of the huazhou (画轴) style, 17 meticulously crafted works, including fragments from the 16th-century Surpatele Monastery's frescoes, evoke the aesthetic and cultural tapestry of Constantin Brâncoveanu's era. This exhibit serves as a portal to explore his reign, martyrdom, and his indelible influence on Romanian culture. The exhibition's centerpiece comprises five grand-scale photographs, deftly printed on silk, meticulously capturing the essence of the Brâncoveanu heritage. Additionally, the event features two short films, produced by the exhibition's author, offering insights into the architectural marvels of the Brâncoveanu legacy.
The exhibition consisted of 17 works (16 vertical/1 horizontal), including 5 large-sized works, with a total exhibition area of 600 square meters. The photographs were printed on silk in the huazhou style (a specific style used for Chinese imperial messages and later for traditional paintings). The images in the "Brâncovenii" exhibition reproduced fragments from the frescoes of the Surpatele Monastery (16th century) in Vâlcea County, a monastery rebuilt from its foundations under the care of Maria Brâncoveanu, where she spent most of the years between 1714 and 1720. This period covered the time from the exile and decapitation of Constantin Brâncoveanu until the return of his remains to the country.
The project included an exhibition booklet presented in three languages (Romanian, English, and Chinese) that showcased the history of the reign and martyrdom of Constantin Brâncoveanu, the cultural-administrative legacy left by him, and the Surpatele Monastery. It highlighted the Brâncovenesc style, a significant landmark in Romanian art. Finally, two short films were presented on video: "The Brâncovenesc Palace in Potlogi (1698)" (10 minutes and 41 seconds) and "The Church of St. George Nou (1707)" (6 minutes and 45 seconds), both built by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu. The footage was filmed in 2023 by the exhibition's author.
The exhibition will remain open until September 14, 2023.
The event was attended by a large audience (approximately 60-70 Chinese and foreign residents) as well as distinguished guests, including Wu Min, Director of Radio China International-CMG, Wang Tieshan, former diplomat and Consul General of China in Constanța, university faculty from departments teaching Romanian, Chinese writers and editors, representatives from the Beijing Overseas Cultural Exchange Center, as well as individuals from various Chinese and international companies in the fields of culture, education, commerce/tourism, and international affairs, among others.
