CLOSE TO THE BONE: A Descent into Collective Melancholia

Our next exhibition, opening at the Brâncuși Gallery on April 25, brings about an immersion into collective melancholy, inviting viewers to lose themselves in a meditative state of mind, marked by the bleak realization of a troubled human condition. Entitled "CLOSE TO THE BONE", it centers on celebrated Romanian artist Radu Oreian, whose paintings are complemented by the works of three of his international peers: the Americans Mark Ryan Chariker, and Kate Meissner and the Mexican María Fragoso Jara.

Through a series of figurative paintings, the exhibition presents a raw and unfiltered depiction of the human condition, capturing the new metaphorical wrinkles of modern life and, as society grapples with today’s challenges and upheavals, reflecting the emotional landscape of our time. Viewers are confronted with introspective portraits and bodies that seem to be suspended in a state of emotional turmoil. Each brushstroke carries the weight of accumulated collective drama, reflecting the turbulence and uncertainty of recent years.

The artists featured in “CLOSE TO THE BONE”, which is a collaborative project with the 1969 Gallery in New York, are kindred spirits who recognize the responsibility of capturing the essence of our shared experience, acknowledging that the emotions of sadness and melancholy have penetrated deeper into our core selves. A poignant reminder of the fragility of the human spirit and the resilience that comes from moments of introspection and connection, the project, true to our international curatorial approach, bringing together Romanian, American, and international artists, provides a space for reflection and invites viewers to explore the depths of their own emotions and experiences in the shared journey of the human condition.

Radu Oreian: Close to the Bone

April 25 - June 20, 2024

With guest artists:

Mark Ryan Chariker

María Fragoso Jara

Kate Meissner

Opening: April 25, 2024 @ 6 - 8 PM

BRÂNCUȘI GALLERY

Romanian Cultural Institute

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

Gallery Hours: 9 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday