A ‘Chimera’ is a biological term referring to an organism that contains mixed genetic information within a single body. The name originates from Greek mythology, where the Chimera was a fire-breathing, monstrous creature with the head of a lion, the tail of a dragon or serpent, and the body of a goat.
Visual artist Andrea Samory’s sculptures blend contrasting elements yet remain strikingly simple. As you take them in, your perception moves fluidly between abstraction and form.
Andrea Samory, Chimera1.9, 2024
Andrea Samory’s solo exhibition CHIMERA is on view at GALLERY ETHER in Nishi-Azabu, Tokyo, from March 1 to March 22, 2025. Originally from Italy, Samory graduated from the University of Tokyo and studied under Kengo Kuma and Kohei Nawa. Now based in Tokyo, his work draws inspiration from classical mythology and philosophy while incorporating futuristic concepts such as posthumanism and transhumanism.
Andrea Samory Chimera 4.2, 2024
What does it look like to you?
When I first saw Samory’s signature series CHIMERA at the gallery, it reminded me of the world in Annihilation, the Netflix film starring Natalie Portman and directed by Alex Garland. In the film, the protagonist encounters strange entities in a mysterious zone: one that looks like a deer, and another, a bear that mimics human voices (that one in particular is terrifying and just brutal, the kind of thing that haunts your dreams).
It’s that unsettling feeling of something being both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. Perhaps it’s just me, but it seems to evoke a deeper sense of awe than a completely unknown entity would.
Andrea Samory, Chimera 2.3, 2023
The CHIMERA series never shows its complete form. Even with its inorganic textures, it prompts the imagination to picture furry, four-legged mammals or animals like whales and snakes. Samory explains that this is because, at a subconscious level, we share common traits across different things.
“I’m interested in collective unconsciousness and collective identity.”
The Balance Between Form and Abstraction
“Everything these days, from advertisements to other things, is designed to capture our attention. This is because we’ve evolved to be drawn to certain shapes and colors.”
The forms and textures in the CHIMERA series engage our most basic instincts. For Samory, the key is finding the right balance between outline and detail.
“I always focus on finding that perfect line.”
Andrea Samory
“CHIMERA is a work inspired by mythology, where I thought about how we can express and reflect the fears we hold in the modern world.”
‘Fear’ is also a central theme in Samory’s works. She has been greatly influenced by various horror films, the works of director David Cronenberg, the Alien series, the Matrix series, AKIRA, and Ghost in the Shell.
Andrea Samory, Chimera 3.3, 2024
The INFECTION Series is Also Featured
In the basement of the gallery, works from a different series are also on display. Unlike the CHIMERA series, which is entirely created using 3D printing, the pieces in the INFECTION series are made by first creating molds with a 3D printer, then filling them with materials like silicone.
Andrea Samory, Infection 1.6 Veins, 2022
The concept is immediately clear: the human body and a capsule. Organic matter merging with inorganic substances. Technology, the internet, digital devices, and social media have seeped into our lives, becoming inseparable from our existence.
“My art is meant to serve as a mirror reflecting the times. It highlights the hopes and fears people have about the future and technology.”
The muscles are depicted with the hard texture of concrete, while the veins are expressed with the soft texture of silicone. Samory has also added color with paint in some areas. The textures are incredibly lifelike and evoke a sense of unease. You definitely need to experience them in person.
This exhibition also features two new sculptural pieces and one AI-generated video work, making its debut, which she mentioned was completed just two weeks ago. If you’re interested or curious, be sure to check it out.
© 2025 Gallery ETHER
Andrea Samory CHIMERA Venue: GALLERY ETHER Exhibition Dates: March 1, 2025 (Saturday) - March 22, 2025 (Saturday) Closed on: Mondays, Sundays, and public holidays Opening Hours: 12:00 - 15:00 & 16:00 - 19:00 Exhibition Website: https://www.galleryether.com/en/exhibitions/chimera Artist Website : https://andreasamory.com/
