The artwork of Mihaela Ioana Atomei brings a sense of joy and serenity through characters who are taking in the quieter moments of life. These are worriless instances when the complexities of the real world are meant to be forgotten. Beginning December 1, RJD Gallery in Bridgehampton, New York, will host its first solo exhibition, titled Moments of Joy and Peace, for the artist.
According to the artist, the pieces remind the often material-obsessed world “of the warmth and richness of family life that can be had by all.” Her figures often have exaggerated features that come from her inner self. She explains, “I prefer curved lines for their round shapes and most of the times my characters have big heads and smaller limbs in relation to the body, which might suggest the idea of innocence (children are often disproportionate as that).”
The stories in each of her paintings, she says, are meant to be subjective with a suggestion of narrative coming from the titles. “Each viewer will nevertheless have their own story, depending on their culture the geographical and social area they come from, and their state of mind at that moment,” explains Atomei. “It is not my intention to change that story. I have my own.”
Moments of Joy and Peace will remain on view through January 1.
RJD Gallery 2385 Main Street • Bridgehampton, NY 11932 • (631) 725-1161 • www.rjdgallery.com
