Transitions Central Europe: Dan Perjovschi

RUMANIA (artist from the 1st Transitions Festival)

Dan Perjovschi is one of Rumania’s most significant artists and also one of the most best-known Rumanian artists internationally. Born in Transylvania, he did not quit his country during the Ceaușescu years, staying put instead to express his people’s need for freedom and political rationalization. After the dictator’s fall, he played a key role in helping build Rumanian civil society.

Today, he is a leading figure in Rumanian activism and politicized art. His work is multifaceted, but he primarily made his name as a performance artist and with his black and white sketches caustically critiquing political developments in his homeland and the world.

This year, he will intervene with his characteristic sketches on the Onassis Stegi LED wall on its frontage. He will also be present with a special edition of his sketches, humorous and reflective on the current socio-political situation in Central Europe and the Balkans.

Photo: Dan Perjovschi

Dan Perjovschi (b. 1961) lives and works in Bucharest and Sibiu Romania. His solo exhibitions include “Pression, Liberté, Expression” at Magasin Grenoble in 2015, “Unframed” at Kiasma Helsinki 2013, “News from the Island” at Reykjavik Art Museum in 2012, “Not over” at MACRO Rome in 2011, “Late News” at Royal Ontario Museum Toronto in 2010, “What Happen to US?” at MoMA New York and “I am not Exotic I am Exhausted” at Kunsthalle Basel in 2007, “The Room Drawing” at Tate Modern London, “On the Other Hand” at Portikus Frankfurt and “First of May” at Moderna Museet Stockholm in 2006 and “Naked Drawings” at Ludwig Museum Cologne in 2005.

He has participated at group shows like Sao Paolo Biennial 2014, Paris Triennial 2012, Dublin Contemporary in 2011, Lyon Biennial in 2009, the Sydney Biennial and Fifth Floor at Tate Liverpool in 2008, The Magelanic Cloud at Pompidou Paris, the 52nd Venice Biennial and the Moscow Biennial in 2007 and the 9th Istanbul Biennial in 2005. Perjovschi received George Maciunas Prize in 2004 and ECF Princess Margriet Award in 2013 (with Lia Perjovschi).