From Las Vegas / To Rome – The photographs of Iwan Baan

From Las Vegas / To Rome – The photographs of Iwan Baan

Beta – the Timișoara Architecture Biennale – Vila Mal 

Octobre 19 – February 28

In the history of architecture, the cities of Rome and Las Vegas are radically contrasting with one another: while Rome, the former capital of the Roman Empire, is considered old, elegant and complex, Las Vegas, Sin City, is perceived as striking, vulgar and artificial. Nonetheless, both cities are historically and contemporarily situated at the intersection of power and games.

Through the series of photographs showcased in the exhibition, Iwan Baan was set to show not just Las Vegas, but also Rome at different scales. The aerial photographs are important, because they reveal how thin Las Vegas’ facades are, in fact. A situation not so different from the Trevi Fountain in Rome: when you see it from up high, you realise that this, too, is just a layer attached to a much bigger building.

The exhibition is part of the series of events connected to Beta 2024 – The Timișoara Architecture Biennial. The 2024 edition is a primary project of the Romanian Order of Architects, financed through the architecture stamp and co-financed by the Timișoara Municipality through Centrul de Proiecte.

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