Ethnic Minorities in Visual Culture – Focus Romania

This exquisite art book, presented in an elegant 185x340mm format, combines thoughtful curation by Cosmin Nasui with expert editing by Oana Ionita Nasui and sophisticated design by RIZI Design. The publication’s physical quality is evident in its carefully chosen materials, featuring embossed Via Linen Pure White paper at 350gr/mp for the covers and premium 250gr/mp offset paper for its 56 pages, complemented by 14 striking plates.

The book delves deep into Romania’s rich cultural landscape through four major thematic sections. The first explores the exotic elements within Romanian art, examining the fascinating Balchik mirage, the lost paradise of Ada Kaleh, and the influential Baia Mare Artistic Centre. This section particularly highlights how minorities have been represented in major arts and offers unique perspectives through “Greetings from Romania.”

The second section investigates inclusion through cosmopolitanism and revolution, examining the vital roles of art collectors and maecenas in shaping Romania’s cultural landscape. It traces the evolution from Romanian and Jewish avant-garde movements through the era of Socialist Realism and its propaganda in art, culminating in the reconciliation process in post-communist Romania.

The third section confronts challenging themes of discrimination and polarization, chronicling the transformation of ethnic neighborhoods into ghettos and camps. It addresses the radicalization of the German minority, tackles the complex issue of Holocaust denial and acknowledgement, and examines emerging forms of discrimination in contemporary society.

The final section analyzes the process of Romanisation (“Romanizare”) under various political circumstances, exploring themes of autonomy, colonization, and folklorization, concluding with an examination of exodus patterns. Throughout these sections, the book maintains a scholarly yet accessible approach, supported by carefully curated visual materials that enhance the narrative.