by Sara del Sal
The CRTrieste Foundation has welcomed a significant addition to its artistic repertoire with the donation of over three hundred works by the late Bogdan Grom. This generous contribution, orchestrated by Grom’s life companion, Nina Woodrow, enhances the Foundation’s mission of preserving, studying, and providing public access to cultural treasures.
In a presentation held at the CRTrieste Foundation headquarters, Francesco Peroni, a Board of Directors member, along with Jasna Merkù, a distinguished Art History professor, and Aleksandra Pangerc, the artist’s niece, unveiled the diverse Grom Collection.
The Grom Collection Unveiled
Comprising 312 works spanning six decades, the Grom Collection is a testament to the versatile and curious nature of Bogdan Grom. The array includes paintings, sculptures, graphic works, cut-outs, wool tapestries, drawings, photographic reproductions, and books. Grom’s kaleidoscopic personality is evident, as he fearlessly experimented with materials, often mastering and occasionally succumbing to their influence.
The common thread weaving through the collection is Grom’s unique sensitivity, manifested in sculptures of beloved animals, intricate representations of Carso’s stones, and poignant depictions of landscapes, love, and the plight of indigenous communities in the United States.
The Journey of the Works
The odyssey of Grom’s works from the United States to Italy began in September 2020, initiated by Aleksandra Pangerc. Despite pandemic-related challenges and intricate administrative processes, the Foundation officially accepted the donation in January 2022. The journey, symbolized by 6 large wooden crates, concluded in Trieste on October 21, 2022, revealing a surprise inventory of 312 pieces during the subsequent cataloging by Professor Jasna Merkù in March 2023.
Bogdan Grom: Witness to 20th Century Artistic Language
Bogdan Grom, born in 1918 in Devencina, played a crucial role as an artist who harmonized various experiences and techniques. His artistic journey, marked by studies in Perugia, Rome, Venice, and Munich, took a transformative turn in 1957 when he accepted a teaching position in the United States. Grom’s profound connection to his homeland, coupled with his tenacious spirit, propelled him to international recognition as a designer, painter, graphic artist, and sculptor.
Grom’s time in the United States marked a period of vibrant creativity as he immersed himself in American culture. He found inspiration in monumental sculpture and applied art to architecture, seeking to deepen the connection between place and cultural memory.
Upcoming Exhibition Initiative
Announced during today’s press conference, the CRTrieste Foundation, in collaboration with ERPAC – the Regional Entity for Cultural Heritage of Friuli Venezia Giulia, is planning an exhibition initiative. This effort aims to make the Bogdan Grom Collection accessible to the public, providing an opportunity for art enthusiasts to appreciate the rich legacy left by this influential artist. Photos and videos of the collection are available on the CRTrieste Foundation website.
