2022: A Map of the World as Seen by Him
Curated by Stefka Tsaneva
April 26 – May 31, 2022
The Institute of Contemporary Art – Sofia
‘A Map of the World as Seen by Him’ is a reflection on the question of who owns the future and the fantasy of it. Traditionally, men have held the reins of the future and progress – whether it be in politics, the environment, science or even science fiction. But at a time when more than ever the future looks uncertain and bleak, invariably the imagination begins to seek refuge in utopian notions of possible new beginnings.
Nancă began this thought experiment back in 2015 following the news of the discovery of Kepler-452b, an exoplanet, which scientists call Earth 2.0 because of its suitable for human living conditions. Then there is the question of what would happen if humans one day colonized it. Would we carry our existence along with all the mistakes or will we start fresh? Reflecting on a possible new beginning, Vlad Nanka imagines a different future, this time led by women.
Nancă looks back to the 20th century and the hectic time of revolutions – social, political, scientific and architectural. In the exhibition, he draws inspiration from modernist architecture, Sofia’s urban environment under socialism and Soviet astronautics, and the obsession with scientific progress that left its mark in the form of murals and mosaics across Eastern Europe. He seeks women, whether metaphorical or real historical figures, to become images of a new possible future.
LIST OF WORKS
Silhouette Room Divider
(After Henrieta Delavrancea)
2022
185 x 180 cm
A Map of the World as Seen by Him
2022
Framed postcard with illustration by James Montgomery Flagg (1905), moon print (1900)
70 x 50 cm
One Square Meter
(After Ivan Moudov)
2022
Ceramic tiles on MDF
112.8 x 112.8 cm
The Future is Female
2022
(After Velichka Believa)
Clay sculpture, glass mosaic
75 x 30 x 30 cm
Future World
2022
Glass mosaic on polystyrene
72 cm diameter
Touch (12th Century)
2022
Stone mosaic
90 x 60 cm
Touch (20th Century)
2022
Stone mosaic
70 x100 cm
