The actions and installations of Teodor Graur (1953, Pogăceaua) catch our attention through the immediacy of his messages and the sharpness of the questions raised by his performative tactics and strategies, reflecting the artist’s commitment to step out of the comfort zone of art in order to move closer to the realities and themes that fuel Romanian society. From this perspective, the interview familiarises us with his artistic activity from the 1990s, characterised by various analytical approaches to deconstruct the recent post-1989 behaviour patterns. The political commentary, the (self)ironic and critical spirit, the appeal to the heterogeneity of formats and working media blend in his art with collaborative endeavours, with a careful observation of the shared life conditions. With the help of photography or of sociological surveys, Teodor Graur succeeds to place under magnifying glass the ecstatic promises of transition.

On the other hand, the interview signals some of the seminal performances of these years—subjective attempts to problematise some phenomena, such as the effort to reconcile the competing mythologies between East and West, the role of media and art in public space or the speculative economic transactions of the 1990s. His works, which fall under the broad umbrella of the concept of MADE IN ROMANIA, speak openly about adaptation, precariousness, change and social commitment.

Interview: Alina Șerban
Artworks: © Teodor Graur
Bucharest, 2023

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Camera & video editing: Dan Iordache
Subtitles: Diana Bularca, Ștefania Ferchedău
Music: Lucian Meţianu, Pythagoreis, 1970
Parkour & IP visual identity: Radu Manelici
Parkour Video visuals: Sebastian Pren

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Film produced in the frame of the projects “Uncensored Act” and “Performing 89”. With support from Sandwich.

The project is part of the national cultural programme “Timișoara—European Capital of Culture in the year 2023” and is funded by the Municipality of Timișoara, through the Center for Projects. Cultural project co-funded by the Administration of the National Cultural Fund.

The project does not necessarily represent the standpoint of the Administration of the National Cultural Fund. AFCN cannot be held liable for the content of the project or the manner in which the outcomes of the project may be used. These shall devolve entirely on the beneficiary of the financing.