Periferic 7, 2006, Iasi (Romania); Photo credit: Vector
Romanian artist Matei Bejenaru will present for the first time in London the Periferic International Biennial, which takes place in Iasi, one of Romania's leading experimental city, the former 'cradle' of traditional culture. The presentation will focus on the role of the Biennial in building and maintaining a local art scene open to international developments, with all the hopes and inherent uncertainties of Romania's political and economic transition.
Periferic Biennial is the most extensive contemporary art initiative in post-communist Romania, collecting and presenting a wide range of artistic attitudes concerning the centre-periphery relationship. Established in 1997 as a performance festival, Periferic transformed in 2003 into an international art biennial promoting local art production and developing collaborative projects with artists and curators throughout the world.
Matei Bejenaru is an artist and director of the Periferic Biennial in Iasi, Romania. Together with a group of artists and philosophers, he founded in 2001 the Vector Association, which organizes the Biennial and supports constantly local art projects and artists. He is also a member of the editorial staff of Vector - art and culture in context magazine, dedicated to contemporary art in South East European countries.
As an artist, Bejenaru is interested in the way in which globalization affects post-communist countries, changing mentalities and lifestyles. In 2003, during the 2nd edition of Tirana Biennial, he installed a water post in the centre of the city offering free water distribution to its inhabitants. In 2005, he conceived a Travelling Guide for Romanian illegal workers, shown in 2006 at Thyssen-Bornemisza Contemporary Art in Vienna.
Matei Bejenaru's participation in London Festival of Europe is supported by the Romanian Cultural Institute in London.
Plus: Screening of contemporary video-art from Romania, selected by the Romanian Cultural Institute in London
You can download here the programme (
London Festival of Europe 2007 is the first action of European Alterities, an independent cultural organisation dedicated to promoting artistic and philosophical engagement with and through Europe.
When: Tuesday 20 March, 2.30 PM Where: Courtauld Institute of Art, Kenneth Clark Lecture Theatre, Somerset House, Strand WC2R 0RN, London
Free entrance.
