Romania prepares cultural program for London 2012 Olympics

The most expected sports event in the world, the Olympics Games set to take place in London between July 27 and August 12, has also an important cultural dimension. For this occasion, the Romanian Cultural Institute (ICR) in London has gathered 17 film, theatre, visual arts, and literature projects of Romanian artists, that are inspired by the richness ofLondon’s identity.

According to ICR London, the ROLYMPICS, the project special created for this event, showcases some of the most recognizable names in Romania’s contemporary arts as well as cultural figures and sports personalities. The events unfold mostly in East London and especially in the Olympic Borough of Tower Hamlets. It will be on until October 2012.

The program for July offers a new perspective of sculpture through Nature in the City: Organic Hay Sculptures by Ernö Bartha, which can be seen in Victoria Park. Made of hay enforced with steel frames, Ernö Bartha’s sculptures urge the viewer to rediscover the textures and smells of unspoiled nature. The monumental sculptures will adorn the West sidelake ofVictoria Park, one of the busiest parks in the Olympic boroughs, as well as the London Pleasure Gardens.

Furthermore, The Romanian Cultural Institute in partnership with the Paul Neagu Estate and Islington Council will unveil the sculpture “Edgerunner” by British-Romanian artist Paul Neagu (1938 – 2004), often called the most important Romanian artist since Constantin Brancusi. According to ICR London, this is the first public artwork by an artist of Romanian origin presented permanently in London. Cast in stainless steel, the “Edgerunner” suggests a hybrid form derived from the concept of the ‘Hyphen’, central to Neagu’s very own visual language. A mild steel version of the sculpture, created in 1982, was shown at the Serpentine Gallery as well as at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, the London Business School and in five different locations in Scotland.

Another project prepared by the Romanian Cultural Institute for the Olympics is called “PlayPoint Puzzle.” It will be a meeting place, a playground and a conversation hub for all ages, specially designed for BT London Live and London 2012 Festival. The project is a massive interactive puzzle designed by artist Miruna Amza and architect Liviu Zagan. The series of life-size puzzles are made of rotating parts that create images inspired by the Olympic Games. They are set on vertical boards and made out of 200 pieces revealing 12 surprising images and color variations.

“Cultural Stations”, another cultural event under the umbrella of ICR London, invites the public to experiment a new concept of open-air relaxation that creatively combines cultural history and design. Composed of three modules, the “Literary Station”, the “Scientific Station” and the “Multicultural Station”, the installation responds toLondon’s vibrant identity and to the Olympic values, aiming to create a lasting legacy for Londoners and visitors to the capital.

Last but not least, Brancusi will be represented in the ROLYMPICS through a 100-year old wooden house, the “HOUSE FROM HOBIŢA: BRÂNCUȘI’S ROOTS” project. This house, coming from sculptor Constantin Brâncuşi’s village, will be dismantled, transported over the Channel in pieces and re-assembled in London, as part of a training program in traditional crafts conducted by British experts from the cultural organization INTBAU. After completion, the house will open with a program of traditional Romanian music and dance, weaving and pottering workshops, and culinary exhibitions. The project is inspired by an idea of Luminiţa Holban.

Regarding the national representation at Olympics games, Romania’s Olympics lot is made up of 104 athletes competing in 15 disciplines and 60 officials accompanying the sportsmen, as well as some reserve players for the canoeing and fencing disciplines. The details about the athletes can be found here.

Photo credit: ICR London