Bucharest breathes the bohemian air of Paris from the beginning of the last century. This is because from September 5, until December 14, four masterpieces signed by Henri Matisse are exhibited with Theodor Pallady’s works, in a special scenography.
Art Safari, historical loan from Parisian Museums Photo Collage Art Safari
Art Safari does not cease to amaze us at every new edition. And this time, the public is a witness to a historical loan, successfully concluded.
The exhibition entitled “Paris Pallady” manages to recreate and carry us in the atmosphere of Paris in which Theodor Pallady has lived for 30 years. While part of his works were inspired by the urban daily, in everyday life, he tied a strong friendship with Henri Matisse.
Connection that did not extinguish 100 years later, the two meet, through art., But not in Paris, but in Bucharest.
“We wanted to bring the air from Paris here in the exhibition at Art Safari, which Erwin Kessler curated. It was natural for this exhibition, dedicated to the great artist, Theodor Pallady to be his very good friend, Henri Matisse. Therefore, we started with the help of the French Institute in Romania and the Embassy of France in a long road of loans and we are glad that we have achieved a loan of four important works signed by Henri Matisse, which can be seen until December 14, from the renowned L’Orangerie and Musée Henri Matisse – Départerea – Départerea – Therefore, those who come to discover or rediscover Theodor Pallady will see on the same wall and the great French artist.
Pallady and Matisse have been friends all their lives, since they met at the Academy of Fine Arts in Paris, at Professor Gustave Moreau, until death. This friendship must be honored ”, said Ioana Ciocan, director of Art Safari, exclusively for Adevărul.
How long does negotiations with International Museums take
The preparation of an exhibition of this major is not done overnight. Ioana Ciocan, CEO of Art Safari and Commissioner of Romania at the Venice Biennale, explains:
“Preparation of an exhibition can last from 5 years to two, six, 10-15. It is not a standard response, because usually exhibitions are not a standard, a copy-paste that is made from one exhibition to another. Each exhibition is very different. ”
At the same time, negotiations involve observing strict international rules.
“The contracts are between Art Safari and the French museums and must respect some parameters regarding the safety of the works on the route, but also here, in Art Safari. At the same time, the contracts are not signed if an insurance policy is not concluded. All these details involve work that can last even years ”, she pointed out.
Transport of art works: works, accompanied by a custodian
After the art of negotiations end, the road follows. From the great international museums, such as L’erangie’s Musee in Paris or Victoria and Albert Museum, in London, in a previous edition. The transport of works is a delicate operation, which involves strict museum standards.
“The French works were accompanied by a custodian from the Matisse Museum, which followed and did not break away from works from the moment they were given down from the wall in France, until they were placed here, in Bucharest. Although the French had a custodian, we also had a conservative who evaluated if the works suffered from this transport, photos were taken and conservation sheets were made. These museum standards are followed to the smallest detail. Otherwise, exhibition loans cannot take place ”explained Ioana Ciocan, for the truth.
Transport includes control of temperature and humidity, special packaging that does not affect the canvas or colors, and each work is transported to the position in which it was made.
Costs? “France has a new policy”
No matter how fascinating the works exposed, the public tends to be curious about the costs involved in bringing them to Bucharest.
In the case of the works signed by Henri Matisse and borrowed from Musee de L’Orangerie and Musée Henri Matisse, this information cannot be disclosed. The reason is about a strict policy of French museums, meant to protect the artistic values and to focus on the works themselves, not on their monetary value.
“Don’t leave me the French side, otherwise I would have told you. Every time I tell you. It is a new French policy of no longer discussing amounts and focusing on the works ”, explained Ioana Ciocan, CEO Art Safari.
This practice is also an international standard for high -value art loans. In addition, avoiding cost disclosure prevents security risks
How are the works selected at each edition Art Safari
Art Safari brings to Romania artists and works considered important, sometimes rarely exposed, sometimes forgotten.
“In the exhibitions in Bucharest, artists that we consider important, artists we love, artists who may have been forgotten or have not benefited from a long -time retrospect. The exhibitions we always organize have an impressive scenography. The one of Pallady is signed by Cosmin Florea, and the second fan of this edition with the number 17 Art Safari, is signed by Diana Nicolae ”said the director of Art Safari.
More than art: unique experiences for all ages
Art Safari 2025 is not only limited to the exposure of some masterpieces, but offers visitors a wide range of cultural and interactive experiences, meant to bring the art public and transform the visit into a memorable event.
“The meeting of the seniors will take place on Saturday, September 13, at a special price for the seniors we love so much ”, declares Ioana Ciocan, CEO Art Safari.
Events are also extending for families: “Sunday, September 14, we have Sunday Brunch, we have a wonderful partnership so you will see the French croissants here, in this brunch we organize.”
The program also includes creative painting workshops.
“At the same time, we have the art workshop for adults on Thursday, September 18, but also on Friday, September 19th. I know that maybe the adults who listen to us read us, they just think they were not left by parents to paint, so we receive those who feel that they have so much this chance, to be artists for a day ”, Ioana Ciocan invites us.
For the smallest participants, the Art Safari experience is just as captivating.
“We will have extremely interesting programs on September 20 and 21: music workshops dedicated to babies, addressed to children between 0 and 3 years old.” the director told us.
Students also have dedicated programs and at advantageous prices.
“I did not forget about the students, on Friday, September 26, starting at 8:00 we have a program dedicated to students, so, at a preferential price”added Ioana Ciocan.
And for those who want to combine relaxation with cultural activities, Art Safari also proposes yoga sessions. The first of this edition will take place on Friday, October 10, starting with 10:30.
