Luminara Florescu
Castle Cary
Luminara Florescu is a British born artist, curator and artist mentor based in rural Somerset. Her art practice occupies the intersection of art, advocacy, and activism.
I am a British born artist, curator and artist mentor based in rural Somerset. My art practice occupies the intersection of art, advocacy, and activism and is deeply rooted in my lived experience as a disabled and neurodivergent artist. One significant part of my artistic mission is to explore the concept of Resting, Slowing Down, and Doing Less as a powerful means to combat climate change. By questioning the societal norms of consumerism and hyper productivity, I aim to offer Rest as an antidote to these detrimental practices. My practice delves into ideas of Inclusion, Access, and Rest, challenging the capitalist constructs of Grind Culture and Over Working. Through acts of gentle protest and creative activism, I seek to test and transcend perceived boundaries of art.
After taking a career break due to caring responsibilities, I returned to my art practice in 2018 securing a Somerset Art Works, Creative Pathways Artist Bursary.
Since 2019 I have been the co-founder and lead the pioneering Art Behind Bars programme in partnership with Shepton Mallet Prison. This initiative not only redefines art's role outside of the white walls of the gallery environment, but also serves as a platform for emerging artists' voices to be heard through exhibitions such as B-Wing (2019), Artist Prison Residencies (2021), and Outside In (2022).
Other key achievements include the Freedom Learning project (Somerset Art Works, Artist Micro Commission), And the Children Shall Lead- Giant Board Game (Somerset Art Works, Artist Project Development Bursary), B-Wing exhibition (Arts Council England Project Grant), Contract of Self Care (a-n Artist Information Company's Time, Space, Money artist bursary), Rest As Protest (Develop Your Creative Practice (DYCP) Grant.) and most recently the Somerset Film, Artist in Residence film commission for her film installation – Social Gardening (The Mind At Rest).
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