КИО / KIO opening

The Soviet circus was not just a form of entertainment, but a profound cultural phenomenon – one that transcended social and economic divisions, uniting communities through a shared spectacle. Through the project КИО / KIO, Andreea Ilie examines the architectural, artistic and socio-political significance of Soviet circus buildings, investigating their role as instruments of collective identity and ideological cohesion.

In the Soviet cultural landscape, the circus functioned as an essential public space, encouraging inclusion and community engagement. Performances were meticulously designed to appeal to diverse audiences while reinforcing state narratives and cultivating a sense of collective pride.

Through an interdisciplinary approach, which includes sculpture and photography, КИО / KIO recontextualizes these structures, reflecting on their enduring legacy as spaces of artistic expression and social unification.

The installation is an exploration of the power of shared spaces, reconsidering the circus not just as a relic of the past, but as a resonant symbol of collective experience and cultural memory.

Andreea Ilie (b. 2001) is a visual artist, currently studying Photography and Videography at the National University of Arts in Bucharest.

His artistic practice explores the relationship between architecture and the psyche, with a particular focus on socialist architecture. Using photography, ceramics and metal as his main means of expression, his works address themes related to collective experience and community.

Her evocative images and sculptural interventions offer insight into the complexity of social structures, supporting spaces that promote unity. Through her works, the artist addresses themes such as fragmentation and isolation, inviting reflection on the power of collective action and the potential for social transformation.