The photography exhibition "Liberty 1989: Timișoara" was a very special event, hosted by UVT ArtCenter between December 10, 2024 and January 14, 2025. Part of the cultural-educational project "Image. Sound. '89", now in its fifth edition and coordinated by lect. dr. Mădălin Mărienuț, the exhibition aimed to commemorate the December 1989 Revolution through the visual arts. The event was a real success, gathering over 500 visitors, including local personalities directly involved in the Revolution, as well as representatives of the diplomatic, cultural and art worlds.
The exhibition was signed by Constantin Duma, one of Timișoara's most famous photojournalists, known as the "photographer of the Revolution". With a career spanning over 50 years in photography and more than two decades of activity at the National Press Agency AGERPRES, Duma captured unique and moving images during those dramatic days of December 1989. These photographs, full of courage, suffering and hope, were presented within the exhibition to illustrate the struggle of the people of Timișoara for freedom.
One of the highlights of the exhibition was the visit of Mrs. Willemijn van Haaften, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Romania. Her Excellency benefited from a guided tour offered by the author of the exhibition, Constantin Duma, together with the curator, lect. univ. dr. Mădălin Mărienuț. The visit was an opportunity to reflect on the historical and cultural ties between Romania and its European partners, as well as to recognize the importance of this historical moment in the collective European memory.
"Freedom 1989: Timișoara" received unanimous praise from the local, national and international press. Among the materials dedicated to this event, the documentary made by Deutsche Welle, entitled "The End of a Dictatorship: 35 Years Since the Revolution", stands out, which included images and stories about the artistic contribution of Constantin Duma. Also, publications such as Banatul Azi and RFI Romania highlighted the historical and cultural value of the exhibition. The RFI article described Duma as "a direct witness of history, who chose to face dangers in order to document the truth".
Within the exhibition, visitors had the opportunity to see other related activities organized under the umbrella of the "Imagine. Sunet. '89" project. A notable example was the "3×5" exhibition, hosted by the Mansardă Gallery, which brought together the works of artists Assoc. Prof. Dr. Andreea Palade Flondor, Prof. Dr. Camil Mihăescu and photographer Annika Sandor. These parallel events completed the picture of artistic diversity and highlighted the importance of visual memory in understanding our common past.
Constantin Duma recalled with emotion the critical moments during the Revolution, recounting how the risks taken by photographers in those days were enormous: "I was taking photos from my hoodie. I would take out the camera, take two pictures, quickly, and put it back in. I would go home and hide the films, because you always expected repercussions. I know it was worth it." These testimonies resonated deeply with the visitors, who had the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by those involved in the Revolution.
The cultural-educational project "Image. Sound. '89" is an initiative dedicated to keeping alive the memory of the 1989 Revolution among young people, using the power of visual arts to connect the past with the present. This year's edition enjoyed particular interest, being also included on the agenda of the "Eighty Plus" events organized by the Faculty of Arts and Design, on the occasion of the eight decades since the founding of the West University of Timișoara.
The impact of this event is felt beyond the UVT Art Center space, highlighting the importance of collective memory and historical documentation through art. The exhibition "Liberty 1989: Timișoara" managed to inspire, move and pay tribute to those who, in December 1989, fought for freedom and dignity.
Associate Professor Dr. Mădălin Mărienuț
Photos: Andrada Pecican
