The River

THE RIVER 2023, Dalboșeț, Caraș-Severin Organizer: Fundația Archaeus Dimensions: 42 x 84 m Technical description: land art Assistants: Bianca Ichim, Andreea Nistor Photo credit: Marius Vasile  Intervention carries with it a reflection on the relationship between the artistic abstraction and the physical space, subtly nudging the viewer to ponder upon the symbiotic aspects of this union. The work inhabits and modifies the landscape, posing questions regarding the interventions and appropriations of natural spaces by artistic endeavours. “The River” expands beyond its physical form, employing water – a traditionally symbol-laden element – to explore themes of sacredness and spiritual connectivity, deeply rooted in primitive religious practices. Yet, beneath its symbolic layering, there lies an explicit nod towards pertinent eco-political issues. The piece does not overtly advocate but rather, through its symbolic and physical manifestation, prompts a dialogue concerning environmental conservation, highlighting the river as a metaphorical and physical entity that is intertwined with both spiritual beliefs and ecological sustainability.  Velciov’s utilization of repetitive geometric shapes, juxtaposed amidst a wild grassy field, orchestrates a complex viewer experience, manoeuvring between motion and contemplative stillness. Additionally, the requirement of an aerial perspective to fully grasp the work’s entirety disrupts the traditional, expected engagement with land art pieces. This strategy implicitly raises questions about the nature of contemporary Land Art, its interaction with the viewer, and the varying layers of experience and comprehension that are available to the observer based upon their physical interaction and perspective with the piece.  Text by Christian Frias