Ana Cristea Gallery is pleased to present “Made of Matter,” the first solo exhibition in the United States by artist Teodora Axente. Teodora Axente’s work is centered on the duality of spirit and matter – the two spheres of existence between which humans oscillate in an attempt to uncover themselves. Portraying an unexpected array of materials, Axente addresses the essential human drive to reshape oneself. Through the flashy materiality of aluminum foil, satin pillows, nylon bags or curtains, she brings us into a world of... Read more

Ana Cristea Gallery is pleased to present “Made of Matter,” the first solo exhibition in the United States
by artist Teodora Axente.
Teodora Axente’s work is centered on the duality of spirit and matter – the two spheres of existence
between which humans oscillate in an attempt to uncover themselves. Portraying an unexpected array
of materials, Axente addresses the essential human drive to reshape oneself. Through the flashy
materiality of aluminum foil, satin pillows, nylon bags or curtains, she brings us into a world of mystery
that appears to be spiritual, noble and attractive, on first glance. Aluminum foil serves as the central
symbol of matter throughout many of her paintings. Its outward shine and its ability to reflect give off
an illusory sense of nobility that blinds her subjects.
Her paintings depict scenes and scenarios that highlight the condition of the individual within
contemporary society. Due to the deepening divide between the inner, spiritual self and the worldly
counterpart, the individual exists in a state of inner crisis. Teodora’s characters strive for the mystical in
an attempt to detach themselves from the material world. In their efforts to reach a sacred sphere, they
discover that they can merely mimic mystic rituals as in a game. Ultimately, they fashion themselves a
lavish prison which holds them captive without their awareness. The pathos of her work is revealed in
the recognition that despite all their efforts, her characters are trapped by the reality they seek to
escape. We are made of matter.