GODDESSES, AMAZONS, and MOTHERS

Updated: May 8

A Celebration of Female Creativity | Group Exhibition

Graphic design @ Angel Liao

GODDESSES, AMAZONS, and MOTHERS

Featuring: Nana Afya, Angela China, Chiao-Han Chueh, Mariana Cromeyer,

Hortensia Mi Kafchin, Ana Maria Morar, Ekatherina Savtchenko

Co-curator: Aida Balamaci

March 8 – April 12, 2024

EXTENDED THROUGH APRIL 19!

Opening: March 8, 2024 @ 7 PM

Special Event: Art Talk, March 8, 2024 @ 6-7 PM | With the participation of the artists

BRÂNCUṢI GALLERY

Romanian Cultural Institute

200 East 38th Street, New York City, NY 10016

Gallery Hours: 9 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday

GODDESSES, AMAZONS, and MOTHERS

March 8, 2024 at 6:00 PM – April 12, 2024 at 6:00 PM|New York

About the Event

This March, we are marking International Women's Day and National Women’s History Month with a dazzling exhibition entitled "GODDESSES, AMAZONS, and MOTHERS”, a celebration of female creativity and a testament to the enduring power and limitless potential of women everywhere.

Created in collaboration with guest curator Aida Balamaci, "GODDESSES, AMAZONS, and MOTHERS", opening at our Brâncuşi Gallery on March 8, brings together a cadre of female artists from around the world, transcending borders and cultures to create a truly inclusive and empowering artistic dialogue. The exhibition offers the original perspectives of seven international artists, each using their unique voice to weave a tapestry of female identity, strength, and creativity and to comment, through paintings and art objects, on the current status of femininity, motherhood, and female creativity.

From the distinctive brushstrokes of Angela China (USA) and Chiao-Han Chueh (Taiwan), and the thought-provoking stories of Hortensia Mi Kafchin (Romania), to the evocative sculptures of Ana Maria Morar (Romania), from the bold works of Mariana Cromeyer (El Salvador) and the dreamy paintings of Ekatherina Savtchenko (USA/Germany) to the intricate mixed-media creations of Nana Afya (Ghana), the seven artists delve into the depths of feminist discourse, exploring themes of empowerment, agency, and the interconnectedness of women around the world.

"GODDESSES, AMAZONS, and MOTHERS” is the inaugural project of our newest annual series, which aims to bring together artists from Romania and different corners of the globe, fostering a shared visual discourse and providing a platform for global recognition.

The exhibition is organized with the kind support of P·P·O·W Gallery, Nunu Fine Art Gallery, Gallery A / A, and the Consulate General of Romania in New York.

Meet the Artists

NANA AFYA (b. Ghana) is a Ghanaian American who grew up in the Bronx where she graduated from Fordham University with a BA in African History and International Studies. She currently lives in New Jersey. Her work transcends traditional boundaries, blending storytelling, mixed media, and interactive art to convey powerful messages that resonate deeply with viewers. Inspired by her diverse cultural background and personal experiences, Afya weaves elements of history, identity, and social commentary into her art. Using a dynamic mix of materials and techniques, Afya creates immersive environments that engage the senses and invite participation, seeking to provoke thought, inspire change, and foster connections across cultures and communities. With a commitment to authenticity and inclusivity, Afya's work catalyzes dialogue, empowerment, and social change. Follow the artist on her IG account: https://www.instagram.com/nana_afya_anabel/

ANGELA CHINA (b. USA) originally from Baltimore, MD moved to New York City in 2010. Beginning her career as a street artist, China has since charted her own path to the epicenter of the contemporary art world. As a street artist, China was guided by individuals who were using visual imagery to create a narrative around the city’s controversies, politics, and urban complexities. The energy of the street art community ignited her desire to paint, and subjected her to daily criticism. China’s passion for painting and her newfound community led her to enroll in a master of fine arts at The New York Academy of Art. This decision marked her transition off the street and into the studio practice she maintains today. China focused her studies on human anatomy in old master paintings at NYAA. The techniques she developed became the foundational underpinnings for the abstracted figures presented in her contemporary work. Today, China describes her artistic practice as an exercise in which she allowed the brain and body to become one, and create an uninterrupted flow of emotion and intellect onto the canvas.

Follow the artist on her IG account: https://www.instagram.com/angela__china/

CHIAO HAN CHUEH (b. Taiwan) is a Taiwanese artist currently based in Germany. Her paintings delve into the complexities of human relationships and explore symbolic narratives within partially figurative compositions. Through her work, she offers viewers a profound insight into the intricate depths of the human psyche, creating imagery that is at once transgressive and innocent. She has exhibited her compelling creations internationally, establishing herself as a compelling voice in contemporary art.

Follow the artist on her IG account: https://www.instagram.com/chiaohan_studio/

MARIANA CROMEYER, originally from El Salvador and now living in NYC, is a multifaceted artist who graduated the School of Visual Arts with a BFA in design. In addition to her skills in graphic design, she excels in the creation of abstract oil and acrylic paintings. Mariana's art is characterized by her distinctive and eclectic flair, using vibrant colors and whimsical motifs to create captivating pieces. Known for her bold and sentimental artwork, Mariana has shown her work in numerous exhibitions in El Salvador and on Madison Avenue. Her distinctive style incorporates organic shapes and bold lines that can be seen not only in gallery shows but also in striking murals throughout her home country. She keeps her work unique and true to herself, solidifying her presence in the vibrant New York art scene. Follow the artist on her IG account: https://www.instagram.com/marianacromeyer.art/

HORTENSIA MI KAFCHIN (b. Galati, Romania) currently lives and works in Berlin, Germany. She graduated from the University of Art and Design in Cluj in 2010, where she specialized in ceramics, glass, and metal. Kafchin then worked as an assistant to the painter Adrian Ghenie, whose studio she later took over. Blending a classical painting style with unique subject matter, Kafchin's art reflects a fascination with the collage-like visual environment of our media age. Focusing on the contemporary trans experience, Kafchin's figurative paintings vividly depict personal narratives within utopian landscapes, offering commentary on the technological, environmental, and socio-political landscapes of today. Kafchin's work is included in prestigious collections such as the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art in New York, and the Ludwig Museum in Cologne. Kafchin has participated in numerous prestigious group exhibitions and has shown her work in prestigious venues such as the Austrian Museum of Applied Arts in Vienna, the Prague Biennale, La Triennale in Paris, the Espace Culturel Louis Vuitton, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Follow the artist on her IG account: https://www.instagram.com/mikafkin/

ANA-MARIA MORAR (b. Cluj-Napoca, Romania) is a multi-media artist and her work engages with various mediums, including plaster sculpture, fabric, wood, metal, works on paper. She received her BA in Communication and Public Relations from UBB Cluj-Napoca. After moving to the East Coast in 2013, she studied sculpture at the Art Students League and the New York Studio School. She has participated in group exhibitions and collaborated with the Romanian Cultural Institute in both London and NY. She lives and works in Manhattan, NY, where she is learning to make art like her two sons. Follow the artist on her IG account: https://www.instagram.com/ammorar/?hl=en

EKATHERINA SAVTCHENKO (b. St. Petersburg, Russia) studied fine arts, painting, sculpture, photography, and video at the Academy of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg and the Kunstakademie Dusseldorf (Germany). She holds a Master of Arts degree under the supervision of Professor A.R. Penck. She is based in New York and Dusseldorf (Germany). For Ekatherina painting represents UNITY: "Everything is interconnected in an invisible network, a unique structure inaccessible to the human mind. Unity is expressed, for me, in the symmetry of the microcosm, in the geometry of the macrocosm, in the commonality of the elements of matter of the universe and in the similar processes of development of society and civilizations; in the parallels between the mythologies and religions of the world; in the love between a man and a woman. The idea of unity can free mankind from fear, insecurity, and aggression and, with combined efforts, take us to a new stage of development." The artist has a prolific exhibition portfolio in both solo and group shows in the USA, Germany, Norway, China, Russia. Follow the artist on her IG account: https://www.instagram.com/ekatherinasart/

About the Co-Curator

AIDA BALAMACI (b. Romania) is an international expert with more than 10 years of experience in United Nations organizations, diplomatic and cultural institutions and NGOs. At the United Nations, she focused on women's empowerment, participation and leadership, as well as awareness-raising activities to challenge perceptions and social norms about women by identifying role models, champions, and advocates. She developed her curatorial skills during her time at the Austrian Cultural Forum in New York as Head of Visual Arts, Design, and Architecture and curated several exhibitions of Austrian and international artists. Today, she combines her passion for women's empowerment with her commitment to the arts by promoting women artists internationally. Her goal is to shine a spotlight on influential women in the arts and the impressive impact they have on the contemporary art world. Aida was raised in Austria, studied politics and culture in the UK, France, and Belgium, speaks 5 languages and is a passionate traveler and explorer.