Chronicles from In-Between 495-570 nm

Marginal Cultural Associationin collaboration with a series of Romanian institutions (Institutul de Biologie Bucharest, National University of Theater and Film “IL Caragiale”) and international institutions (V2_ from the Netherlands or Dark Euphoria from France), develops a theme present in the exhibition Intersecting Realitiescreated within the framework of the Timișoara European Cultural Capital 2023 program. This new stage of the project is dedicated to Romania’s biodiversity and stories from past times about it.

I’ve always been obsessed with the colors green and blue and that shade between the two, which is very difficult to capture. After researching its history in visual representations, associated symbolism, as well as its role in the CGI (computer-generated imagery) industry and representations of nature within this industry, Chronicles from In-Between 495 to 570 nm became, in a sort of, a historical account – from art history – how Renaissance painters made their paints from copper, then passing through the mining industry and the fact that this metal, copper, is increasingly needed in the CGI industry and in computer components . And yet, digital content still presents that ideal image of nature, while the natural environment is not perfect. Thus, my aim is to recreate this perfectly imperfect nature, from the memories of our elders. – Kasia Molga, artist.

Bringing together artists, curators, researchers in ecology, botany and the humanities, students and the elderly, Chronicles from In-Between 495-570nm will carry out an interdisciplinary research of the natural landscape in Romania, in decline due to urban development and technological expansion, approaching the theme through the creative prism of visual arts, through the scientific rigor of botany and ecology, as well as through an empathetic perspective, centered around the concept of “landscape amnesia” (amnesia of landscapes). This is a meta-loss of natural diversity, starting from the idea that we can’t really care about something we no longer remember, and the project team will delve into the subject through interviews with elderly people, and these memories of landscapes of the past will be preserved in virtual reality, in the later stages of the project.

I am delighted to work with Kasia Molga and Marginal for the Romanian stage of the Chronicles from In-Between 495-570 nm project. Already, the first images that Kasia shared about the project in early 2023 made clear the relevance of artistic research and imagined narrative: investigating the paradoxical cycles of technological progress, the digital environment, the extractive industry and the impact on the natural environment as sources of inspiration for cultural activities. For a society that is constantly seeking technological progress and that talks about environmental issues and new forms of cultural expression it is essential that artists ask questions that go hand in hand with societal efforts. Having presented a first work-in-progress selection, with a focus on Romanian plants, at Timișoara 2023, as part of our “Intersecting Realities” exhibition, it is inspiring that we are now able to expand specific stories about places in Romania, together with locals and with researchers from the humanities and even biology. – Claudia Schnugg, curator.

Chronicles from In-Between 495-570 nm it already started at the end of June with a series of preparatory activities, including visits by artists and curators from the team to the Institute of Biology in Bucharest, as well as seminars with UNATC students in order to launch the practice program. The research and production period of the project will extend until the fall of this year, culminating in a vernissage on November 2 at the Goethe Institut Bucharest, followed by a round table with the extended team, accompanied by discussions with the public, on November 3, at the French Institute in Bucharest. The exhibition will present the artistic output of the research in the form of several original works of painting, sculpture and video / 3D modeling, exploring threats to biodiversity and connections with human activity. The artists and curators will also conduct guided tours, and the public will have the opportunity to learn more about the collaborative experience and how multiple perspectives can harmonize and focus, if the theme is well selected.

Disciplinary and geographical diversity of the project team Chronicles from In-Between 495-570 nm it is the source of the multitude of perspectives and open research directions, giving it at the same time its international character. Coming from UK / Poland, Kasia Molga is the main artistic voice of the project, with substantial experience in multimedia arts and a portfolio consistently dedicated to questioning the impact of technology on our perception of nature and our relationship with more-than-human creatures. The Austrian curator Claudia Schnugg has dedicated himself throughout his career to artistic projects at the intersection with science, technology and the varied world of organizational cultures. Andrei Tudose is the artistic director of the project, co-founder of the Marginal Cultural Association, cultural manager and curator whose projects are located at the intersection of visual arts, social sciences and technology. From the Institute of Biology Bucharest, Roxana Nicoara joins the project as a scientific consultant specializing in ecology, species diversity, climate change and nature conservation efforts. The socio-cultural perspective is outlined by Irina Bobei, interdisciplinary researcher specialized in the plant world, organizer of the “Ecological Perspectives” series of meetings, bringing together people from the academic, literary, artistic and performative spheres. Last but not least, from the National University of Theater and Film “IL Caragiale”, Mirela Vlad coordinates two paid practice positions for students Alina Rusu and Gabi Stoiciu, in order to create 3D animations that will be integrated into the visual output of the project.