Whites, installation view

Andra Ursuta was born in Romania but moved to New York to study in 1997. Her works of sculptural installation are rife with dark symbolism and morbid humour.  

Ursuta often derives the conceptual basis for her works from headlines and photos found on the internet. As such, the subject matter of her work is often slightly dark – with terrorist plots, domestic violence and other violent crimes often coming to the forefront. Rather than shying away from the subject matter, Urusta treats her work as a form of mourning, creating monolithic, tactile sculptures that have an almost human presence.   

Orthodoctrinator, urethan plastic, urethane foam, wood, iron oxide, pigments, hairdryers

Stylistically, Ursuta’s works have been compared to those of Constantin Brancusi and Yves Klein. I really enjoy her most recent show, consisting of a number of large, pale stone shapes sitting on the types of chairs one might find in schools and community centers.  It’s an absurd, half-intimidating and half-welcoming meditation. Ursuta's works remind me somewhat of the art of Stephanie Cormier, who creates similarly almost-human sculptures. 

Whites, installation view