Guided tour and discussion | Ana Lupas. Intimate Space – Open Gaze

Experimental, profoundly spiritual and radically humanist, Ana Lupas (b. 1940 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania) has been an outstanding figure in Eastern European art since the 1960s.

Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein is presenting the most comprehensive solo show so far of her work, featuring works from different periods of her production from the 1960s to the present. One focus is on two series of works being shown for the first time: Eyes (1974–1991) and Self-Portrait (2000). Spanning six decades, Ana Lupas's career is an impressive testimony to her resilience and her indefatigable commitment to art in difficult political circumstances.

In an environment characterised by a lack of freedom and oppression in Romania, Lupas created an oeuvre that is as impressive as it is radical. The communist regime that ruled for over four decades (1945–1989) co-opted art for its dehumanising, totalitarian ideology, massively hindering free experimentation and exhibitions. Nevertheless, Ana Lupas consistently went her own way, undeterred.

Her early, experimental work comprises textile works, sculptures, environments, installations and action art. Often, she uses materials that are easy to procure, such as grain, wool, wax or fabrics, drawing her inspiration from folklore and ancient traditions. From a Western European perspective, similarities can be observed to the avant-garde movements of the late twentieth century, including Conceptual Art and Land Art. Although often forced to work in hiding, Ana Lupas managed to realise various large-scale participatory projects with local residents and promote the local artistic community.

In addition to producing new works, reprising and reworking existing works is a key concern for the artist. Her aim is to question both herself and her practice by restaging it continually.

The exhibition has been developed in close collaboration with the artist. A co-production with the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, curated by Letizia Ragaglia for Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein.

A comprehensive publication with texts by Tanja Boon, Leontine Coelewij, Marina Lupas, Ramona Novicov, Letizia Ragaglia, Christian Rattemeyer and Mechtild Widrich accompanies the exhibition.