Participants in “The Philosophy of Form” International Conference, held in Targu Jiu over October 22 – 26, adopted a declaration at the end of the event reaffirming the universal value of Constantin Brancusi’s work, regarded as a landmark of modernism and the philosophy of pure form, and supporting the continuation of interdisciplinary dialogue between art, philosophy, science and technology.

The International Conference “The Philosophy of Form”, held under the patronage of UNESCO for five days in Targu Jiu, brought together more than 300 participants across 16 panels and keynote sessions, including 66 speakers from Romania and other countries around the world.

“We, the participants in the International Conference ‘The Philosophy of Form’, gathered in Targu Jiu in the year in which the academic and cultural world marks 150 years since the birth of Constantin Brancusi, reaffirm that, beyond eras, cultures or geography, Brancusi’s work, in its universality, remains a landmark of modernism, a true philosophy of pure form and the essentialisation of matter. Form, matter, space and light are fundamental themes of contemporary reflection at the intersection of art, philosophy, science, technology and society. We pledge our support for the continuation of this interdisciplinary dialogue, including from the perspective of encouraging younger generations of artists and researchers. With this conference, ‘The Philosophy of Form’ becomes an international forum for dialogue, research, creation and cooperation on the profound transformations of the contemporary world and on how human creativity can give meaning to progress,” the release mentioned, adding that Constantin Brancusi’s legacy remains the founding inspiration source for this space, without it being limited to his work or his era.

“Freedom of creation, intellectual excellence, education, innovation and respect for cultural and natural heritage will be constant axiological principles. We underscore the critical importance of permanently preserving the authenticity and integrity of this exceptional universal value, the ‘Avenue of Heroes’ Monumental Ensemble in Targu Jiu, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2024. We issue a global appeal to governmental and non-governmental institutions, local authorities and the local community to give due attention to preserving Brancusi’s unique cultural legacy, in keeping with the spirit and means of our time. Through this international conference, we mark a necessary continuity. The debate on the relationship between form and idea, tradition and innovation, humans and technology, identity and universality must continue. Cultural and academic institutions, universities, museums, research centres, and national and international organisations can and must act as guarantors of the development of this dialogue,” according to the participants’ message.

The International Conference “The Philosophy of Form”, organised under the patronage of UNESCO, brought together in Targu Jiu the world’s leading specialists in Brancusi’s work.

Held under the aegis of UNESCO, the event offered a broad, interdisciplinary perspective on the work and legacy of Constantin Brancusi, bringing together academic research, heritage, cultural diplomacy, visual arts and new ways of interpreting the work of the great Romanian sculptor.