There are many art lovers in our country, but just a few of them contribute to its development. Berd`s Design Hotel has become an example, when they created a exhibition of contemporary Moldavian art in their art-lounge-zone. I decided to find out more about this fantastic idea, the main purposes and more about the art pieces themselves, in an interview with the hotel owner and exhibition creator – Lucia Berdos.
How did you invent the idea of an art-zone in your hotel?

At the beginning, we have created a lounge-zone in the design. We decorated the space with an old Moldavian carpet called «Scoarța Basarabeană». The carpet is rare and precious, because there are only few of them left in the world. It became our first art piece from the collection. Before the creation of the art-lounge zone, we had been wondering  what kind of art should decorate the entire hotel and its rooms. It has been a difficult choice between the old Chisinau photography, painting, sculpture and different Moldavian authors. I guess that the search of the right type of art and of interesting authors inspired us to create our own exhibition and collection of Moldavian contemporary art in our hotel.Does the exhibition have a name?

It cannot have a name, because it  is a collection of  all the possible topics of Moldavian contemporary art. For example, we have modern interpretations of World War II, this is a complex topic that is enough for an entire exhibition.
How is the selection of the pieces of art going on?

The main part of the art pieces, I have chosen by myself. I visited all the possible exhibitions, consulted artists; I even inquired Monica Babuc – the culture minister, in order to find interesting Moldavian artists and their creations. This is how we discovered and started to promote such artists as Marc Verlan, Gennady Popescu, Pavel Braila, Yurii Platon, Nicolai Cotofan, Virgiliu Tecuci, Dumitru Vynaga and Ion Zderchuk.Do you have one favourite piece of art from this exhibition?

It is correct to say that most of the art pieces are my favorites, because I chose them by my own. I love the philosophical duality in art. During the selection of the pieces, I have discussed with their authors and tried to understand the meaning of their creations.

For example, the masterpiece called „The ear” is representing the moment when one listens and assimilates information that is figuratively trash.In addition, Genadii Popescu’s collection of works created from polenta; although this isn’t a material that will be resistant for centuries, his works have a call to the society. Like, for example this abacus made from polenta, called the Calculator.
The closest book, the tricolor made from polenta and plastic bottles. The political omelet, an interesting interpretation, showing the colors of the parties during a schism and their dominant colors. The most impressive work of the author is “Jugul”, which means in translation oxen yoke. The works of the writer Jorge Luis Borges inspired Gennadii, the writer noticed that the word “jug” is similar to the word yoga, and  both words mean discipline and subordination. Another work by Gennadii is Gramophone, every person has a radio inside and it turns on everything and creates a cloud. In addition, of course, there is an interesting interpretation called “The wounded knife”, which makes you think about the questions that the author has.
Here is The Throne by Marc Verlan, the piece of art that has many different interpretations. One of them is the idea that no position can be eternal, even the kings position, everything changes during the passing of time.

One more creation of Ioan Grecu – two log halves, speared with unusual nails, usually used during the construction of church domes. They represent the points, which are the final for everything.Who often do you plan to change your collection?

Our collaboration with the moldavian authors has just began, I think it will continue and develop in the future. I love art, but the most pleasant thing for me is to see the reaction of the guests when they see these pieces of art.
What are in your opinion the chances for our authors to participate in international exhibitions, such as Venice Biennale?

I know that one of our artists – Marc Verlan, has already participated in this exhibition. I guess, in order to have success in this direction, it is important first of all to visit the exhibition and to find out its direction and criteria. After that, start choosing the right pieces of art, that will be appropriate in the context. Also, something truly genius must have a good basis and prehistory, based on profound knowledge of philosophy and on new vision of the world.What is the main purpose of this exhibition?

The main purpose of the art-lounge exhibition in our hotel is to share with our guests the contemporary art, to expand the creative world in which these kind of art pieces are usually shown. I hope that our hotel will give a start to the development of Moldavian art, by creating the necessary connection between artists and art lovers.

Photo: Anastasia Kashina
Art-lounge-zone: Berd`s Design Hotel