The „Know the World” project was inspired in part by the work of the great sculptor Constantin Brâncuși, but the main aim is to explore the creative potential of people with disabilities and integrate them into a broader narrative of contemporary art, thus providing them with a platform for expression and self-discovery.
The exhibition „Let's get to know the world” could be seen in five artistic-cultural spaces in Bucharest: National Museum of the Romanian Peasant, Combinatul Fondului Plastic, Galateca, Foaierul Media of the Bucharest National Theater, „Dimitrie Leonida” Technical Museum.
„Getting to Know the World” invites reflection on the role of art in addressing pressing social and cultural issues, such as accepting diversity and combating stigmatization, becoming a manifesto for a more inclusive and empathetic society, while recognizing how the deepest cultural roots can be a wonderful basis for a discourse tailored to contemporary goals and priorities.
If out of the pain, suffering, frustration and loneliness I learn to REcunosc myself differently than before, then the finality becomes friendlier. So I choose to turn my attention to the process of now and dwell on what is. Perfect. Not perfect.
I ran towards perfection and stumbled on fantasy. So the joy of the work often eluded me. But because life is at least unpredictable and at least beautiful, reporting on it can be educated. And I began to make my way through imperfection. I accepted that I can mold beyond bias, and yes, we are surrounded by perfectible variations: in art, in personal life, in social life, in everything.
„Getting to know the world” is an artistic project that encourages curiosity, normality, openness, introspection and brings to the forefront the essence of human beauty.
„Getting to know the world” can easily be described as a project of inclusion through culture and art, highlighting the beauty of people with disabilities. But I think that would be insufficient and unfair and would again divide the world into categories.
„Know the World” is more than that. It has the power to change perspectives and mindsets, through the superpowers of the people in whom we (re)know ourselves, who have lovingly and vulnerably accepted to show themselves to us.
„Know the World” has become an album of experiences with living works of art, inspiring us to love and live beautifully, celebrating the beauty of imperfection every day.
Horizontally, people begin and end over and over again.
Even with her torso pulled by ropes, she stays on her feet
Andra Iacov - A mountain of resistance
30 years, Master student (English-German translation and interpretation)
She graduated from the Faculty of English-German Foreign Languages, her thesis was “The Figure of the Isolated Character in Kakfa's Metamorphosis”. She deals with the parent-child relationship, both in Kafka's Metamorphosis and in the writer's life as well as in the everyday life of children with disabilities. She paints, travels, sews clothes, climbs mountains and adores her parents.
Between them, connection becomes ability
Diana Dumitru - Read the Asian spirit
23 years old, web designer
She has a degree in Social Work, a passion for foreign languages, dreams of skydiving, plans a long visit to Asia, and given this inclination towards the land of the Rising Sun, she will certainly not miss the world of the white cherry.
One movement sets the world in motion
Daniela Tontsch - Get the world moving
54 years old, President of CNDR (National Council for Disability in Romania)
She graduated from the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences and Master's Degree in History of Ideas, Mentalities and Mass Culture. She refuses to leave her country, driven by a strong sense of transformation and hope: “Give me a hope and I will build a Universe”. She leans on the pillar of her life: her man, her husband, the father of their two daughters, Klaus Tontsch. At the same time, she herself is an unstoppable force in the face of many challenges, structurally having an extraordinary courage to continuously evolve.
When you see me and I speak to you, eternity
Sorin Ilie Țața - Acrobatics without a safety net.
34 years old, International Relations Officer at CNDR (National Council for Disability in Romania), general manager at APASS, accessibility specialist and full-time dad.
For him, the day is 26 hours long, he proves every second that he can do it, he is recruited as a young man at the European Disability Forum, he stubbornly strives to open people's paths and minds, he swims, he plays sports and he has defied death twice.
When you sow what you sow and give what you reap
Lavinia Besnea - Always jumping to the rescue
42 years old, Executive Director (Association for Persons with Disabilities - Support Association for Physically Handicapped Children, Argeș branch)
She leaves no stone unturned, she squeezes every last drop of energy until she achieves what she sets out to do, she is a man of people in need, she never stops helping others, she devotes her time to noble causes. She loves to travel, and her fascinating ability to travel with her imagination where sometimes she physically can't go would make anyone envious of anyone who has forgotten to dream.
Not even the sky is the limit for those who fly
Costel Pîrnău - The man who flies
48 years old, clinical psychologist, therapist, sociologist, motivational speaker, writer
He chose to live. To live every moment. Humbled by the fact that he was born into this world. He embraced this supreme gift, which is life. He swims in the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. He climbs mountain summits (Machu Picchu) and crowd summits (he lectures in the USA). He plays the nai, reads as much as 100 people at once, skydives in Chicago. He wrote the book “The sky's the limit”.
It didn't reveal itself until it nestled inside itself
Magdalena Câmpeanu - The voice that sees deep
48 years old, journalist, masseur
She has degrees in Theology, Spa Therapy, Journalism and a Masters in Communication. What recommends her is a word valid in all the languages of this earth: “dedication”. “Whatever you want people to do to you, do to them”. She has great patience, she walks through life with gentleness, she loves her daughter, she helps people, she has a fantastic availability, a handful of curiosity, she goes to the theater, she travels. If there is one place she feels she belongs, it is nature. #nimicwithoutGod
Beyond Earth, gravity is just a made-up word.
Magdalena Câmpeanu - The voice that sees deep
48 years old, journalist, masseur
She has degrees in Theology, Spa Therapy, Journalism and a Masters in Communication. What recommends her is a word valid in all the languages of this earth: “dedication”. “Whatever you want people to do to you, do to them”. She has great patience, she walks through life with gentleness, she loves her daughter, she helps people, she has a fantastic availability, a handful of curiosity, she goes to the theater, she travels. If there is one place she feels she belongs, it is nature. #nimicwithoutGod
From the light. Through times and seasons. Into the light.
Roxana Irimia - Woman overcomer in Christ
31 years old, artist
She graduated from “Sigismund Toduță” Art High School - easel graphics and the Faculty of Arts and Design - graphic design. She had the opportunity to model in Germany, acted in a short movie, paints, horse-riding, climbing. Today, she has decided that what serves her well in life is caring for people who can't make it on their own. She volunteers, does charity work and supports good causes. He's an unaccountable adult who lives beyond justifications.
In troubled times, rest is on the go.
Lorelai Moșneguguțu - From her lungs, the world's sweet cry
22 years old, student at the Faculty of Communication and Public Relations at S.N.S.P.P.A. Bucharest, specialization in Advertising
She graduated from the „Bălașa Doamna” Art High School in Targoviste, classical singing section. She is living proof that the impossible is just a small pause in a long process of evolution. She has succeeded in building a „home”, and for her, joy has its place there. She struggles to lead an independent life and works to make it on her own. She dreams of becoming a graphic designer.
For some people, hope lifts them up.
Petru Epure - When it leaps, it encompasses a whole world
57 years old, nurse, ballerina
She graduated from the Faculty of Nursing.
He was a ballet dancer on the stage of the Bucharest Operetta Theater, he was an employee of the Constantin Tanase Theater, he collaborated with different theaters (Teatrul Mic, Bucharest National Theater), he was an employee of the Romanian Rhapsody Ensemble, he acted in 5 movies, he danced on stage in front of hundreds of thousands of people over the years. A great achievement is the fact that he received the gift of being the father of a daughter whom he loves beyond words. He is always close to people, goes wherever he is called, helps whenever the opportunity arises, is a good speaker, a brave and dignified man.
“Echo and Silence: Dialogue with Nature
* Installation work in progress - stage I
The installation „Echo and Silence” is a collection of support sculptures exploring the deep connection between man and nature, inspired by the Banyan tree, which grows its roots and from top to bottom - the continuous connection between sky and earth, spiritual and material.
Made from organic materials such as mycelium, bamboo and plaster, the installation combines art and sustainability, offering viewers a space for introspection and awareness.
