LACRIMARIUM. SUSPENDED MEMORIES – 2024

The Lacrimarium: Suspended Memories project started as an idea regarding the significance of the artefact of the same name: lacrimarium. This type of ancient vessel was encountered in the Hellenistic civilization, throughout the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire and the states influenced by Byzantine Orthodoxy. Lacrimarium is a small terracotta or, more frequently, glass vessel found in late Roman and Greek tombs which is presumed to represent the recipient in which the bereaved kept their tears. It contained perfume, ointments, holy oils (myrrh). The purpose of this artefact was, of course, symbolic.
Starting from the symbolic function of this object, the entire exhibition space metaphorically accumulates the purpose of the vessel, as preserver of sensations, feelings, memories, fragments of reality – which come to life through bidimensional and three-dimensional works, creating an aesthetic and conceptual dialogue around memory and identity.
The exhibition presents mixed media compositions (mostly graphic and photography) that synthesize artistic pursuits developed throughout the past two years, with an experimental approach around the juxtaposition of materials.
Lacrimarium. Suspended Memories configures the exhibition space as a framework for perception and reflection upon the passage of time and how this process influences our perception over the fragile nature of existence. Thus, it creates an imaginary construction around the existential path and its dissolution, aiming to immerse the viewer in a cyclic journey about loss and recovery.

Museum of Contemporary Art, Brukenthal Museum, Sibiu
Curators: Alexandra Runcan, Alexandra Goșnescu
Exhibition included in SCAF After Season 2024