In a spellbinding dance with and around us, stones, plants, shells, pieces of metal and paper aided us in carving worlds. They have been and continue to be universal translators for objects and thoughts that we seek to measure, share and preserve. What lies behind this convertibility? Vastly different things, with no direct or "natural" equivalence but with a common thread: the perception that they represent values.
The current exhibition, curated by Marinela Mantescu-Isac, focuseson this theme concerning worth. What we consider relevant - individually and as a civilization - is mirrored in our desires and behaviors. Art plays an interesting role, for it is not only desirable and expressible in money but also an alternative to it. The need and enjoyment of art are inexhaustible and timeless, perhaps as old as the idea of human community, if we take as reference the cave drawings of Lascaux or Altamira. Inevitably, these peculiarities place it in the category of the fundamentals.
Aspiration always finds itself juxtaposed to the ways of materialization. Out of the many alternatives, cultivating virtues seems to offer the best chance of success. Although it could be perceived as idealistic in relation to human nature, this hypothesis is based on a convention surrounding the concept of merit. Values acquired through trained talent, perseverance, education and goodwill bring with them legitimacy and the admiration of others. At the other extreme, something stolen or plagiarized is not only morally offensive but also hard to trade.
The paintings, sculptures and tapestries selected by Ms. Măntescu-Isac braid images of value and virtue into a DNA segment pertaining to characters and cultures. The month of December marks our union, as Romanians, into one nation. It seems, therefore, even more appropriate to remind ourselves of the principles that bind us, in spirit and in geography.
This exhibition also coincides with a special moment for the WIN Gallery team: the establishment of WIN Alliance, a common platform of thought and action for all our business divisions. In everything we do, our purpose is to lift each other up toward a better, more harmonious, more prosperous future. In summary, we offer you a festive collection of great significance to us, that we hope will delight, remind and enrich all of us with precious and priceless things.
