Q&A – Art Encounters Biennale, a mirror of what’s happening in the world

The Art Encounters Biennale in Timisoara, now in its fifth edition, takes place from 30 May to 13 July, with the theme “Bounding Histories. Whispering Tales”.

Curators Ana Janevski (MoMA New York) and Tevž Logar (independent curator) invite viewers to reflect on the city’s complex past and discover the hidden stories of emblematic places: the Garrison Headquarters – a former military building, FABER – a former soap factory, and the headquarters of the Art Encounters Foundation, a space with an industrial and educational history.

Diana Marincu, Artistic Director of the Art Encounters Foundation, explains for curatorial how the event has evolved over the ten years since its debut and what are the highlights of this edition of the Art Encounters Biennial.

How would you describe the evolution of the biennale over these 10 years?

Diana Marincu: The Art Encounters Biennale developed organically, naturally, from the idea of an exhibition and expanded on the idea of a biennial that has encompassed more and more collaborations and artists over time. I would say there is a relationship between the things that stay the same, the constants, and the things that are different, what changes with each edition.

I would say that the constant things have to do with the commitment of the Art Encounters Foundation to produce new works for artists, the relationship with the city of Timisoara we try to reflect as well as possible in the subjects we approach and in what we show and, at the same time, the creation of this platform for Romanian and international artists to meet.

The things that are changing obviously stem from all the socio-political changes that we see not only in Romania, but also internationally. Of course, a biennale is always a mirror of what’s happening in the world and each guest curator comes with a new perspective.

Compared to last year, what’s different now?

Diana Marincu: The curators of this edition looked in depth at the identity of the three exhibition spaces and basically the backbone of the exhibitions stemmed from here, from the history of the place. The three in fact trace the history of the city’s industrial development and, at the same time, a history charged with other meanings.

Artists invited to the biennale, especially those with new works, were even encouraged to further develop this direction.

Which are the highlights of Art Encounters 2025?

Diana Marincu: The performative part is developed quite a lot and both on the opening weekend, when Manuel Pelmuș will have a series of performances, and on the closing weekend we will be able to see such works.

The public works part will feature works that are sure to surprise the public, including a spectacular sound installation that people will discover in the park near the Art Encounters Foundation.

Guided tours with curators and artists are also very important, because that’s where you can find all the necessary information and personal perspective.