During Lavinia Munteanu’s stay at Villa Eläintarha in May 2026, she worked on “Mandragora”, an artistic research project – and a work in progress – initiated in 2024. The project focuses on ancient myths and rituals around the mandragora (mandrake) plant and combines reading of historical texts and other sources, drawing as well as developing a performance which will take place in summer 2026 and be filmed by the movie maker Rodrigo Otero Heraud (https://www.oterotillmannfilme.de).
“Currently I am at the stage of defining the sequence of gestures and actions which are to become part of the performance. These are anchored in ancient rituals (like, for instance, the making of small clay figurines after a bad dream) thought to bring about transformation and healing. The beautiful Villa and its surroundings are a source of inspiration and at the same time helpful for diving into this mythical realm.”
Learn more about the project at: www.lavinia-munteanu.com/performance-and-video-installation
Photo Hertta Salokorpi