‘Meteor Showers’ at Objects with Narratives ponders on humanity’s inherent connections

Meteor Showers, Marius Ritiu’s latest sculptural art is on display at Objects with Narratives in Brussels, Belgium. Resembling meteors, these copper sculptures become the focal point of the narrative that accompanies the work. According to Objects with Narratives, they depict "otherwordly beauty…as a gift from beyond the stars," and retain "a mesmerising copper glow," catching the attention of astronomers and art enthusiasts alike.

The narrative of Ritiu’s solo exhibition (which opened on May 23, 2024) elucidates that these meteors (copper sculptures) were "sent hurtling to Earth" by "the extraterrestrial beings known as the Zoraxians," who are evidently, skilled in the arts and are heavily appreciative of beauty and creative thinking. Through these sculptures, the intention of the sculptural artist from Transylvania is to demonstrate the concept of unity and connection among humanity.

"As days turned into weeks, the copper sculptures became a symbol of unity and wonder, bringing people from all walks of life together to appreciate the beauty of the cosmos. The Zoraxians' gift had not only enriched the art world but had also sparked a newfound sense of awe and connection among humanity. And so, the extraterrestrial civilisation's gesture of sending meteors as copper sculptures to an art gallery in Brussels left a lasting impression on Earth, reminding us of the boundless creativity and artistry that exists beyond our world," the gallery shares.

The sculptor’s fascination with copper as a material is a long-standing one. "Its incorporation into technology (communication or transport) has enabled and increased the mobility of ideas, goods and people, impacting the nature and physicality of borders," the nomadic artist explains. It has become important to both his physical explorations and his philosophical ponderings. The relevance to the art exhibition is through the fact that copper “has a direct association both with human history and the cosmos,” according to Ritiu. He employs the specific technique of Repoussé metalwork, which supports his lifestyle as a nomadic travelling artist, as it doesn’t require a studio or space.

Given his interest in exploring the themes of nationhood, borders and nationalism, his work has often reflected global responsibility and collective consciousness. Meteor Showers acts on expanding his questions along the same lines.