''Tsirk''
''Akrobatika''

RAD Circus - Tsirk & Akrobatika

Andreea Ilie presented by /SAC
Metal; 105 x 300 x 300 cm (Tsirk), 160 x 155 x 40 cm (Akrobatika)
RAD 2025

Within the Soviet cultural landscape, circuses functioned as vital public spaces, fostering inclusivity and collective pride. The architecture of these circuses, often attributed to “cosmic communist architecture”, reflected the USSR’s aspirational competition with the West in the realm of space conquest. Now, many of these once-futuristic structures stand dormant, their spaceship-like forms caught in an unlikely limbo — no longer day-to-day gathering places, yet still in a wait for communal spectacle.

about the artist

Andreea Ilie

Andreea Ilie (b. 2001, Romania) is a visual artist who draws inspiration from the inherent connection between architecture and the human psyche. Her work captures the essence of social buildings and common spaces, emphasizing their profound influence on the modern individual. Through her compositions, she tries to unveil the true purpose of these spaces and underline the vital importance of collective experiences. She believes that the structures and systems of society, including architecture, are not mere entities existing in isolation, but rather intricate products of prevailing economic conditions and social relations. She seeks to combat the profound sense of alienation that can permeate our lives when we feel disconnected from ourselves and others.