Who Remains? : A Project in Singeorz-Bai, Romania, ©2006

Concept & Design: Sergiu Lupse & Roger Colombik, Photography: Roger Colombik Project sponsored by Colombik Studios, Texas State University & Muzeul de Arte Comparata

In the mountain villages of Transylvania there’s a colloquial jest that’s spoken with a hint of gravitas when discussing issues of emigration and the loss of cultural heritage-                                            

Hey, last one across the border, make sure you turn out the lights.

Economic pressures continue to drive families apart and tear at the fabric of traditional Romanian society. Two centuries of cultural identity slowly disappear as the elderly pass on, the parents look for work in Spain or Italy and the children dream of departure, away from the traditional village and labor-intensive agrarian lifestyles of their parents. At ninety-one years of age, Costin wonders who will be left to bury his old bones.  Agnes carries portraits of her three sons in her purse. She shares the images with all who pass, questioning the mercy of god for taking her boys while she continues to walk these dusty streets. 

Translations:                Spre Vest?  Toward the West,   Spre Est?   Toward the East, Cine Ramane?  Who Remains?, Aici.  Here.

Our project examined the nuances of village life, promoting a communal dialogue on how to nurture a future for the children along with recognizing the concerns of the elderly in Singeorz-Bai.  Vinyl banners were installed throughout the village as well as the Muzeul de Arte Comparata during the summer in 2006.