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Exhibition of painting, graphic art, and sculpture – Sibiu Art High School

The exhibition New Faces from the Old World – Masks Made from Recyclable Materials, organized by Sibiu Art High School, brings together paintings, graphics, and sculptures created by students in grades V–XII, under the guidance of specialized teachers. Open to the public from June 13 to July 31, 2025, on the ground floor of the Sibiu Promenade, the exhibition is part of the program of the 32nd edition of the Sibiu International Theater Festival.

      The chosen theme, the mask, has deep roots in human culture, from archaic rituals and religious ceremonies to ancient theater and medieval carnivals. Over time, the mask has been not only an object covering the face, but also a powerful symbol of identity, mystery, and transformation.   

        In modern visual art, the mask underwent a radical reinterpretation, especially at the beginning of the 20th century. Artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque were deeply influenced by the shapes and expressiveness of African masks, which contributed decisively to the birth of Cubism. These artists were joined by Amedeo Modigliani, with his stylized, elongated portraits, as well as the iconic mask used in the creations of Paul Klee and Constantin Brâncuși, who explored the essential and symbolic forms of the mask. This influence led to profound changes in the visual language of the era and contributed to the detachment of Western art from academic conventions.

        The present exhibition is not a historical research, but a contemporary reflection on this symbol. The students worked under the guidance of their teachers, approaching the theme of the mask from various perspectives, from those inspired by history and traditions to interpretations related to identity, appearance, communication, or isolation. A significant part of the works also includes recyclable materials, which adds an extra layer of meaning: a reflection on how we can transform scraps, forgotten or fragile objects into forms with expression and meaning. The mask thus becomes a pretext and a starting point for dialogue, rediscovery, and reimagining of who we are and what we choose to show to the world.

Coordinating teachers:

Anca Serfözö, Alexandru Cînean, Cezar Stanciu, Constantin Fîntînă, Crina F. Oprean, Diana Varga, Florin Viorel

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Curators: Prof. Bianca Florea, Alexandru Cînean

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Romania