Galateea Contemporary Art Gallery invites art lovers to explore the ceramic installation Prima Materia created by the visual artist Alina Tudor.

“The work links play to the concept of “prima materia”, starting from the idea that, in the process of an individual becoming, toys are essential, as they contribute to modelling one’s identity. The author considers that personality stands out through the play – namely, through the childhood games – or through the dream. Because the play and the dream link past to future, and, through the projections of the unconscious, the play hallmarks everybody’s universe.

Surprised in discreet movements, the oversized ceramic dolls symbolize children’s world. Rendering artist’s nostalgia for the fond memories of long ago, the toys succeed to create a perfect moment of dreaming. Playing with the clay paste, Alina Tudor recovers her childhood in ceramic material.

The characters reveal expressive portraits and delicate gestures painstakingly crafted—the shapes are covered with textures and prints. Among the mysterious dolls, we can find the tree as a soulʼs temple, a symbol of life and regeneration.

In the exhibition, we become fellow players: We invent scenarios, dream inspired by the characters and objects of the installation, and raise bridges between imagination and reality. As a collective character, we become an integral part of the work. ” Romana Mateiaș, curator of the exhibition

Alina Tudor is a graduate of the Bucharest National University of Arts, specializing in Ceramics. Active in the field of visual arts for over 20 years, Alina approaches different mediums and various working techniques, ceramics being positioned at the center of her creation. In 2006, together with the artist Răzvan Neagoe, he co-founded the focAR group, realizing together with it multiple projects that participated in important exhibitions in the country and abroad, including the Lyon Biennale and Tralala.

The exhibition is open until July 2, 2024. Admission is free.