“Magna Mater II” by Aleksandar Eftimovski
Friday, December 5th from 6 to 9 pm: Reception for Artist in Residence Aleksandar Eftimovski
The exhibition “Magna Mater II” delves deeply into the timeless and universal concept of the mother as the primordial force of creation, presenting an exploration of motherhood beyond its biological function. The exhibition derives from ancient stories that honor the “Great Mother” as the bedrock of all life, seeing her not only as a giver of life but as the origin of all matter and energy. “Magna Mater II” invites viewers to reflect on the maternal as a philosophical and symbolic force, connecting the role of the mother to the very meaning of existence.
At the heart of this exhibition is the notion that motherhood symbolizes more than the nurturing and protective qualities we often associate with it; it is a metaphor for the creation of the entire cosmos. The maternal figure is envisioned as the “Prima Materia,” the original substance from which all life emerges. This idea transforms the mother into a universal figure who shapes both the material and spiritual realms, infusing all aspects of life with her creative energy.
Aleksandar brings this concept to life through his sculptures, which are deeply rooted in the exploration of materiality, volume, and texture. His artistic approach is grounded in the belief that every form in nature, from the smallest molecule to the largest planetary bodies, contains the roundness and curvature that symbolize life. This connection to the natural world is reflected in the materials he chooses, often stone and metal, which carry the weight of history, creation, and the evolution of the Еarth itself.
His work draws a direct line to the ancient Neolithic artifact known as the “Magna Mater,” found at the archeological location Tumba Madzari in Macedonia. This artifact is a representation of the mother, embodying the softness and fertility of the maternal figure through its rounded, oval forms. In contrast, the clean, sharp cuts of the sculpture represent the masculine energy, creating a balance between the feminine and masculine forces that shape the world. The contrast of smooth, continuing curves with rough, textured surfaces is a deliberate choice by Aleksandar, symbolizing the duality of life—creation and destruction, softness and strength, nurture and protection.
Through this parallel, the abstract sculptures in “Magna Mater II” invite the viewer to connect with them not only physically but emotionally as well. The tactile quality of his works, with their varied textures and forms, encourages viewers to touch and feel the sculptures, to experience the warmth of the patina, the coldness of the metal, and the weight of the stone. These physical sensations evoke a connection to the earth, grounding the viewer in the tangible reality of existence while simultaneously pointing toward the metaphysical—an exploration of the forces that govern life and creation.
Aleksandar’s minimalist style speaks to a universal language of shapes. The simplicity of his works allows the viewer to focus on the fundamental aspects of existence: movement, texture and weight. His sculptures often take on upward-reaching forms, symbolizing progress, aspiration, and the human desire to reach beyond the material world into the spiritual or philosophical.
The exhibition also explores the theme of transformation, not just through the physical manipulation of materials but also through the shifting perspectives from which the sculptures can be viewed. Each art piece reveals new meanings and emotions depending on the angle from which it is observed. This dynamic interaction between the viewer and the sculpture reflects the ever-changing nature of life and existence, mirroring the cycles of creation, growth and decay.
Aleksandar’s artistic journey is deeply influenced by his extensive travels, which have shaped his understanding of form, space, and material. He draws inspiration from the works of legendary sculptors such as Eduardo Chillida, whose monumental forms emphasize space and emptiness, and Pietro Cascella, known for his use of stone to create powerful, meditative works. Aleksandar’s time in Seville, Pietrasanta, Carrara, and other artistic hubs around the world has formed his unique approach to sculpture.
The exhibition “Magna Mater II” serves as a tribute to the timeless force of motherhood, but it is also a broader reflection on the fundamental forces of creation and existence. By engaging with the sculptures, viewers are invited to reconsider the role of the maternal in their own lives, not just as a biological or cultural concept but as a universal force that shapes the entire cosmos. I
n this way, “Magna Mater II” goes beyond a celebration of mothers. It becomes a philosophical exploration of matter and being, inviting us to engage with the fundamental questions of where we come from, what shapes us, and how we continue to evolve. Aleksandar’s sculptures, with their voluminous shapes and tactile surfaces, stand as silent yet powerful reminders of the strength, resilience, and nurturing force of the maternal—a force that is not only the foundation of life but also the essence of all creation.
