Adrian Preda - Asteroids and Exoglyphs

Romanian visual artist Adrian Preda’s exhibition is a journey through space and history – from studies of the universe to reflections on contemporary geopolitics. Exploring synthetic realism, the artist creates futuristic landscapes and scenarios in which humanity takes its ambitions (and weaknesses) beyond the Earth. How will we exploit other areas beyond Earth in the future? Will the expansive politics of the scramble for resources also transfer to asteroids?

As part of the exhibition, Preda refers to the Cold War, showing its disturbing echoes in the contemporary world. The ‘Exoglyphs’ series, on the other hand, raises questions about civilisations that may have existed before us. Are the traces etched on the surfaces of planets a form of communication? Is art the only trace that survives of any culture?

Adrian Preda lives and works in Bucharest. He earned a BA in 2008 from the National University of Arts, Bucharest, completing part of his studies during a semester at the University of the Arts Poznań. He obtained an MA in 2010 and a PhD in 2023 from the National University of Arts, Bucharest. His primary interest is in the relationship between humans and the other species of the animal kingdom, an essential relationship that shaped the human animal, from tool use to spiritual and artistic manifestations. He also explores nature and the cosmos in a wider scope, being interested in history and evolution, the passing of time, and its effect on beings, objects, and phenomena. These themes have taken shape across various media, including painting, graphic art, and sculptural objects, showcased in solo and group exhibitions in Romania and internationally, and featured in personal and group exhibitions in Romania and abroad, alongside participation in art camps, art residencies, and festivals.

The exhibition is co-financed by AFCN (Administrația Fondului Cultural Național)