Dan Perjovschi's Retrospective 'Romania' in Timișoara: Drawing in Freedom
The Corneliu Miklosi Museum in Timișoara, Romania, kicked off Dan Perjovschi's first major retrospective, titled 'Romania,' which ran from September 3 to October 26, 2025. Located in an old tram depot, the exhibition traced his artistic development from the 1980s under communism to today. It featured a prominent black wall filled with his white marker sketches, divided into nine sections that cover three to four years each. Additionally, there was a showcase of the Revista 22 archive, curated by Perjovschi since December 1989. The exhibition included thematic displays, such as a performance timeline and earlier works like 'Red Apples for Lia' (1988). The title references his 1993 performance where he tattooed "Romania" on his arm. Perjovschi describes his art as 'drawing in freedom,' emphasizing his role as an artist-citizen involved in activism. His work combines humor, activism, and deep reflections, appealing to a thoughtful audience. The retrospective also featured recordings of wall erasures, highlighting the fleeting nature of his art. Perjovschi is represented by Jane Lombard in New York and Michel Rein in Paris/Brussels.
Key facts
- Dan Perjovschi's first retrospective 'Romania' took place at Corneliu Miklosi Museum, Timișoara, September 3–October 26, 2025.
- The exhibition was held in a former tram depot converted into an exhibition space.
- The show featured a long black wall divided into nine sections for drawings covering 1985–2025.
- The archive of Revista 22, published by Perjovschi since December 1989, was displayed.
- The title 'Romania' references his 1993 performance at the Zona festival where he tattooed his arm.
- Early work 'Red Apples for Lia' (1988) involved wrapping his apartment in white paper and drawing.
- Perjovschi describes his current practice as drawing 'in freedom' as an artist-citizen.
- He uses humor combined with activist slogans and philosophical statements.
- Recordings of wall erasures were shown, highlighting the ephemeral nature of his work.
- Perjovschi is represented by Jane Lombard New York and Michel Rein Paris/Brussels.
Entities
Artists
- Dan Perjovschi
- Lia Perjovschi
- Ileana Pintilie
- Cristian Nae
Institutions
- Corneliu Miklosi Museum
- Zona, Eastern Europe festival
- Revista 22
- Atelier 35
- Jane Lombard New York
- Michel Rein Paris/Brussels
- ARTMargins Online
- West University of Timişoara
- Museum of Modern Art (New York)
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Hamburger Kunsthalle
- MOT Museum of Contemporary Art (Tokyo)
- Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma (Helsinki)
- Venice Biennale
- Istanbul Biennale
- Hamburger Bahnhof (Berlin)
- Manifesta 2 (Luxembourg)
- National Museum of Contemporary Art at the Parliament Palace in Bucharest
- Art Gallery of New South Wales
- Charlie Hebdo
- Documenta
- Manifesta
- MoMA
- Tate Modern
- Venice Biennial
- Centre Pompidou
- Tranzit
- Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
- Friedericianum
Locations
- Timișoara
- Romania
- Bucharest
- Sibiu
- Oradea
- New York
- Chicago
- Hamburg
- Tokyo
- Helsinki
- Venice
- Istanbul
- Berlin
- Luxembourg
- Sydney
- Paris
- Brussels
- Kassel
Sources
- ARTMargins —
- ARTMargins —
- ARTMargins —