Artistic open-air assembly in Naslavcea

Artistic open-air gatherings have a long tradition both in Poland and in Moldova. Their original aim was to seek creative inspiration in the natural world. Since the 1970s, however, they have increasingly incorporated critical reflection on the relationship between humans and their (often destructive) impact on the environment. This discourse has developed alongside other vital themes such as identity and the condition of social relations—without which the topic of ecology would remain detached from lived reality.

In the 21st century—marked by climate and ecological catastrophe, hybrid warfare, and overlapping crises—this critical potential has gained new strength. It invites a perspective that takes into account the consequences of human actions not only for future generations but also for other communities, beings, and ecosystems in the here and now. This is an important context for both collective artistic gatherings and the individual practices of contemporary artists.

We meet in the mountain village of Naslavcea, the northernmost point of Moldova, situated along the Dniester River, which marks the border with neighboring Ukraine. This unique natural and cultural site—featuring a heart-shaped island and a turquoise lake formed in a former argillite quarry—has already hosted several artistic gatherings. Some artists have even chosen to settle there permanently.

The open-air assembly in Naslavcea will create a space for dialogue and encounter—sharing artistic and activist practices, learning from one another, and engaging with the local community. Amid blooming nature, a transforming Moldovan rural landscape, and in the shadow of nearby war, the emphasis will be on conversation. We view this gathering as a form of critical action—and equally as a practice of active hope rooted in the spirit of humanistic ecology.

This assembly is a satellite event accompanying the exhibition “Lushness”, showcasing the work of Polish women artists, held at the National Museum of Art in Chișinău (April 4 – May 18, 2025).

Participants:

Teodor Ajder
Ciprian Antoci
Daniel Caldare & Vlasi Turcan
Ariadna Carp
Sergiu Cebotarenco
Tatiana Fiodorova-Lefter
Anya Galatonova
Viola Głowacka
Anna Godzina
Anna Grzymała
Vadim Hîncu & Nina Khynku
Safar Jerebelovski
Olga Kashimbekova
Max Kuzmenko
Aleksandra Liput
Alex Medinschi
Dorin Nebunu
Lilia Nenescu
Cristi Nica
Cristian Panuță
Anna Popa
Ghenadie Popescu
Tomasz Pawłowski-Jermołajew
Stefan Rusu
Igor Scerbina
Ovidiu Tichindeleanu
Julia Woronowicz

Curators:
Anna Czaban (Ujazdowski Castle Centre for Contemporary Art, Warsaw, Poland)
Lilia Dragneva (KSA:K – Centre for Contemporary Art, Chișinău, Moldova)

Coordinator: Anna Fronckiewicz-Spodnik

Organizer: Adam Mickiewicz Institute, Warsaw

Partners:
KSA:K – Centre for Contemporary Art, Chișinău
Ujazdowski Castle Centre for Contemporary Art, Warsaw