THE ART OF OBSERVATION . An exhibition of editorial illustrations inspired by social anthropology

The Romanian Institute for Research on National Minorities from Cluj-Napoca will host "The Art of Observation", an artistic exhibition prepared by the Antropedia from Bucharest. The opening event will take place on 18 June 2024, at 17.00 at the Tailors' Tower (35 Baba Novac Street, Cluj-Napoca).

The series of events is organized from 18 to 30 June 2024 in partnership with the French Institute Cluj-Napoca, the Transilvania International Film Festival (TIFF), the Faculty of Sociology and Social Work of Babeș-Bolyai University and the Centre for Urban Culture Cluj-Napoca.

On this occasion, we invite you to a visually stunning journey inspired by social anthropology research. The exhibition consists of 115 editorial illustrations that bring complex narratives and cultural subtleties to life, captured by 81 researchers and 55 artists.

If anthropologists are masters of the art of observation, what does the art inspired by their observations look like? The exhibition bridges science and art, highlighting the transformative power of both, as well as that of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Each illustration on display is accompanied by a brief description of the article that inspired it and a QR code that links to the page where the material can be read or listened to as a podcast. Each article often represents several years of ethnographic research. In a way, you could say that at the heart of the exhibition is a cumulative body of work spanning hundreds of years - an unusual undertaking in a world increasingly dominated by speed and quick results.

"The Art of Observation explores the diversity and depth of human experience in all its complexity and stimulates conversations about social practices and cultural norms. We look forward to visitors discovering how anthropology can play a significant role in developing a deeper understanding of the self and the world around us, providing us with tools for reflection and human connection.

***

"The Art of Observation" (Arta observației) and the "Sfertul Academic" are projects co-financed by the Administration of the National Cultural Fund (AFCN). The projects do not necessarily represent the position of the Administration of the National Cultural Fund. AFCN is not responsible for the content of the programme or how the results of the programme may be used.

"AnthroArt" is a project co-financed by the European Union through the Creative Europe programme. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of either the European Union or the Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the funding authority can be held responsible for them.