In this new body of work, I explore the dualities of strength and vulnerability through the natural forms of shells, particularly spiky shells that are both protective and delicate. These organic shapes serve as metaphors for the evolving representation of the female figure in my practice. Moving away from literal depictions, I shift toward abstraction, using the shell’s form to examine identity, embodiment, and femininity.
Elements from fashion like high heels, purses, corsets appear as symbolic pieces, pointing to the ways femininity is performed and constrained. These objects, like shells, are structured, beautiful, and sometimes restrictive. The addition of harder materials and references such as chains further emphasizes themes of containment and transformation.
Creating the work in Berlin on my 6 months artist residency will highlight the interaction between feminine and masculine elements in my practice. With critical research of form, the decorative meets the industrial, and the body becomes both structure and symbol.
As the creative arts in Darlington are interested in bringing culture to its community, my work has some roots in Eastern Europe, as I was born in Romania. I combine the Eastern and Western cultures in my practice and I believe this will be beneficial to the other creatives in Darlington.
My work also speaks about ideas of stage and theatre and i am interested in making the viewer engage with my work, walk around it and be able to feel it with installation, painting, ceramics and video.
My practice revolves around the idea of beauty standards as perceived through social media. I am interested in the surveillance, control, and invasion of privacy presented by society. I take inspiration from fashion world and brands, with elements of futurism and sci-fi. In my latest work, I am focusing more on high heels, as they are seen as the etiquette of femininity. This new focus brought me to think of stage and theatre, but also of experimenting with new materials like ceramics. I made ceramic shoes inspired by the 80’s platforms style, which represent a statement of the fashion scene and of femininity, as presented by society. I am also making other accessories such as bags and corsets, which are a continuation of the initial concept of women’s objectification but also represent what femininity embodies. Recent exhibitions :
“The Summer Open Exhibition” – The Assembly House Trust, Norwich, UK – June 2025
” Auto Amor Project” – Auto Amor Gallery, London, UK – April 2025
• ABG Emerging – Alice Black Gallery, London, UK – June 2024
• “Barbed Wire Ghost” – Pilotenkueche Artist Residency, Leipzig, DE – March 2024
• “Order Connection Order” – Alte Handelsschule, Leipzig, DE – Feb 2024
• “Echoes of Belonging” – Bomb Factory Covent Garden, London, UK – Sep – Oct 2023
• “Towards a New Intellectual Cosmos: A Reflection on Contemporary Forms of
Expressions”, Group Exhibition, DAA ART, Oct 2022 – Jan 2023
• “Confirmed Touch” Group Exhibition – Safehouse 1, London, UK – Nov 2022
• “CLUSTER CONTEMPORARY” Art Fair – Oxo Tower Wharf, London, UK – Nov 2022
• “What is becoming us” Group Exhibition –RUPTUREXIBIT, London, UK – June 2022
• “MA Degree Show” Group Exhibition – Royal College of Art –London, UK – June 2022,
• “Come One, Come All” Group Exhibition – The Function Suite, London, UK – March
2022
• “Coping in Colour” Group Exhibition – RUPTUREXIBIT, London, UK – Nov/Dec
2021
Do you have a degree in visual or applied arts at undergraduate and/or post-graduate level? Please provide details. (200 words)
I have a Master’s in painting from the Royal College of Art ( 2022) (UK)
I have a painting and printmaking Bachelor’s from Virginia Commonwealth University (2019) ( USA)
I have a Master’s in painting from the Royal College of Art ( 2022) (UK)
I have a painting and printmaking Bachelor’s from Virginia Commonwealth University (2019) ( USA)
am interested in running workshops for learn different skills in sculpture for example. I do not have the possibility to do this at the moment as I do not have the financial help.
“The Summer Open Exhibition” – The Assembly House Trust, Norwich, UK – June 2025
” Auto Amor Project” – Auto Amor Gallery, London, UK – April 2025 – artwork on sale on the website
ABG Emerging – Alice Black Gallery, London, UK – June 2024
“Echoes of Belonging” – Bomb Factory Covent Garden, London, UK – Sep – Oct 2023 – on site exhibition
• “Towards a New Intellectual Cosmos: A Reflection on Contemporary Forms of
Expressions”, Group Exhibition, DAA ART, Oct 2022 – Jan 2023 – exhibition featured on DAA ART platform until January
MAPA Fine Art – 2021-2022
Pilotenkueche Artist Residency – Jan- March 2024 – Leipzig, DE
Scope BLN – April – current – 2025 – Berlin, DE
Email: nora.neagoe4@gmail.com
Address: 157 Elmington Road, London, SE5 7QZ, GB
Local Authority: Borough of Southwark
