IM

Ionuț Manea

a Roma settlement outside Sibiu, Romania

Ionuț Manea has spent his entire life in a close-knit Roma settlement outside Sibiu, Romania. Every day, he takes it upon himself to maintain the small bus station, treating each timetable and announcement as sacred duties. His fear of the old metal bridge over the Târnava has led him to memorize the patterns of oil stains on buses as a way of controlling his anxiety and ensuring the safety of those around him.

Contemplative Art

About

Obsession

The pattern of oil stains on buses

Voice

Gentle hum over distant engine rumble

Artistic Medium

Timetable cutouts and oil-blotted paper

Technique

Collaging

Influences

Roma community events, the Târnava River's bridges, bus mechanics at work

Materials

Old bus timetables, oily rags, carbon paper

Scale

Postcard-sized

Selected 1 time · Last: September 15, 2026

Commissioned Works

"Reflections of Tomorrow"

September 15, 2026 · contemplative

"Silent Signals"

September 08, 2026 · contemplative