All Aboard on "in∙ner transit"

Our visual arts program is in full swing with another highlight of female creativity. On a quest to reimagine the everyday experience of commuting, Berlin-based Romanian artist and curator Natalia Irina Roman will present the installation "in∙ner transit" a poetic invitation to assess the power of art to repurpose aging infrastructure in major cities. The project, based on extensive research into the transportation systems of New York, Berlin and Bucharest, explores the intricacies of urban mobility through a compelling mix of media, offering a fresh perspective on the rhythms, emotions and narratives embedded in the act of commuting.

The installation will be on view in the lobby and window of the Romanian Cultural Institute in New York from April 12 through June 20, 2024. This choice of venue is intentional, as "in∙ner transit" not only addresses the theme of public transportation, but also responds to the transitory nature of the space, reflecting the constant movement of commuters.

Incorporating elements of video, textual intervention, and participatory engagement, the installation is designed to engage visitors to the Institute as well as passersby. Visitors are encouraged to contribute their reflections and associations of transportation to enrich a collective textual artwork installed in the lobby.

The opening event, which will take place on April 12 from 6 to 8 pm, will be complemented by an artist's talk designed to contextualize "in∙ner transit" within the larger field of Roman practice, thereby fostering a nuanced appreciation of the intersection of art and public transportation.

Join us on an exploratory journey through the inner realms of urban transit, as "in∙ner transit" invites us to pause, reflect, and rediscover the beauty hidden in the routines of our daily journeys.

Natalia Irina Roman (b. Bucharest) is an artist, curator, and researcher, with a background in fine arts and public policy. Her portfolio includes solo and group exhibitions in Germany and internationally, and her practice focuses on installation, video, photography, text, and (immersive) participatory art. Since 2017, Natalia has been pioneering an art collaboration with the German railway company Deutsche Bahn, leading the initiative "Along the Lines". This visionary project repurposes disused interlocking towers into art spaces for train passengers, an initiative started with funding from the prestigious Berlin Capital’s Cultural Fund. Her contributions extend beyond exhibitions to public discussions and educational commitments, including teaching engagements at the Bauhaus University Weimar and Berlin University of the Arts. Currently, Natalia is a visiting researcher, artist, and Fulbright Fellow at Columbia University. www.nataliairinaroman.eu

in∙ner transit

Art installation by Natalia Irina Roman

On view: April 12 – June 20, 2024

Opening: April 12, 2024 @ 6 - 9 PM

Special Event: Art Talk with Natalia Irina Roman, April 12, 2024 @ 6:30 -7:30 PM

Romanian Cultural Institute (Lobby)

200 East 38th Street, New York City, NY 10016

Gallery Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM, Monday-Friday