A New Cultural Landmark

Using one of the flyers provided at the opening, we can get a close look into the story behind the gallery. The Faces and Traces Exhibition features the works of two underground, contemporary artists, Alexa Telentin and Rone (Cicerone Florin Cojocaru). The gallery reflects themes of identity through an engaging and  humorous lens. The opening invites people to cogitate on the intersection of reality and imagination.

We spoke with one of the organisers about the gallery and the artists involved. This is what she had to say “I already knew these artists, Rone and Alexa - new, provocative and underground. They present bold and thought-provoking works which can be interpreted in a humorous way or as a playful discussion. “The Urban Sheep” is a rather “tame” series, but there will be more exhibitions in the future. Even if we are a pretty diverse team, we were able to organize this opening and I believe we will be able to make this space work. We are trying to create something different, other than what already exists.”. At the moment we are sure, after this short interview, that future exhibitions will definitely be organised.

A couple of Rone’s pieces come from his collection “My Friends from Beyond”, a series of portraits that give us a glimpse into abstract yet introspective representations of human beauty and individuality. With a fine arts background from the Academy of Fine Arts in Bucharest and further artistic growth in France and Germany, Rone blends constructivist and deconstructivist techniques, crafting a dynamic and immersive visual world.

Alexa Tolentin showcases worlds from her “The Urban Sheep” series, where seemingly normal characters are transformed into exaggerated and humorous figures. Whether it is a samurai sheep, a lamb living it up in Las Vegas, or a tennis-playing sheep, Alexandra has a playful approach to contemporary life with a sharp yet tame perspective.

Sculpture. Image: Ana Jibotean.

Overcoming Challenges to Open a Creative Space 

The path toward starting in this new space presented itself with had some problems. One of the founders revealed for us some insights into the process: “For a long time, this space had existed without a clear purpose. Coming from a business background, I wanted to develop a project that would make contemporary art more accessible. A few friends and I got together, and after a great deal of planning and effort, we made it happen.”

The founder also acknowledged that getting artists to display their work was an important challenge: “It was quite difficult at first, but also incredibly rewarding. We met a number of talented artists along the way, and this effort has helped us discover and bring attention to young, emerging talents.”

The founder's ultimate goal is to present many established artists. They also aspire to provide a platform for young creators who persistently battle to find meaningful recognition in the mainstream art scene. The team hopes that by offering a welcoming space for both experienced and emerging artists, they can create a hub of artistic expression for a broad audience.

An Exhibition That Invites Reflection

Pottery. Image: Ana Jibotean.

The Faces and Traces Exhibition explores the concept of identity, making viewers contemplate upon how they perceive themselves and others. Rone creates a world that oscillates between realism and abstraction, mulling over personal and collective identity. His art pieces seem to whisper tales of people who existed in the past and the ones who will exist in the future. 

Telentin’s series presents how ironic modern society can be. By merging familiar, everyday scenarios with caricatures, she confronts the audience to see themselves in those exaggerated, absurd and humorous scenarios depicted in her art works. The paintings encourage a connection between the viewer and the subject, evoking chuckles but also deeper contemplation on the roles individuals play in the day to day life. 

The Impact of the New Gallery

Art enthusiasts and discerning critics alike are already commending the gallery’s large effort to give more exposure to current and relatively lesser-known art. The initial gathering attracted a varied audience, including experienced art buyers as well as new artists looking for ideas. People reacted very well. Visitors also seem happy to see modern art shown in an approachable, new style. 

The founders envision the gallery as a space that is more than just an exhibition space. There are already plans to host a few workshops and artist talks with some interactive installations, guaranteeing the gallery stays a very active cultural center. In the future, they expect to work with artists and curators from all over the world so that their shows include a global perspective. 

Painting by Alexa Telentin. Image: Ana Jibotean.

We asked Simona Craciun licensed psychologist to express her opinion about the exhibition and this what she had to say - "This exhibition caught my attention because, as I was saying in class, in Sibiu, there aren't many places where people can come together, enjoy art, discuss art and simply create a community of art lovers. The event and the works presented also caught my attention - they were truly special. It felt like a home, honestly, like a home for all the arts. There were painting exhibitions, sculptures, good music and poetry books. I think the theme of the exhibition - identity - was captured through a psychological lens, with the soul of a psychologist. Plus, I have to mention the location - it’s really great, in my opinion. It’s in a central area, on a picturesque street, at the intersection of several roads, and suddenly, you stumble upon an art hub. For so many reasons, I love color - psychological reasons, aesthetic reasons and simply because. I really liked their works because they were full of color, that brings energy and beauty. And the style seemed very accessible to me. I forgot to mention the jewelry, but there was so much crowding around the jewelry section that I didn’t get the chance to spend enough time there. But yes, there were some really beautiful pieces. Tell me - what is a woman’s identity without jewelry? In the end, you see, you’re right - this involvement of the senses in aesthetics, all senses were engaged in this exhibition." Simona Crăciun also left a message for all the people that are still discovering and searching within themselves "If you want to find yourself, seek art—it will lead you to the essence of your being. A short encouragement for anyone." 

 A Space for Everyone 

This gallery stands out for its focus on inclusivity. By featuring diverse artistic styles and backgrounds, it aims to make contemporary art more accessible to the public. With affordable prices and an open-door policy, it welcomes people from all walks of life. 

For many visitors, the gallery offers a refreshing change from the often exclusive art world. “This space feels welcoming, like it belongs to everyone,” said one attendee at the opening. 

As the gallery grows, its founders remain dedicated to fostering creativity and accessibility. The successful launch of the Faces & Traces exhibition is just the beginning of an exciting journey for Sibiu’s art scene. 

Jewelry. Image: Ana Jibotean.

With its fresh approach and commitment to artistic exploration, the gallery is set to become a key cultural hub, inspiring both local and international artists and visitors for years to come.