Alina Negoita captures Romania’s future Olympians

To celebrate the release of the latest issue of Protein Journal we're proud to present artist Alina Negoita’s photo series 'Birds in Space' at Protein Studios. The exhibition touches on a number of elements, such as identity, family and performance, all while chronicling the intense training regimes of young Romanian gymnasts.

“For over a year I was able to document them during training and competitions, showcasing their fragility and strength,” says Negoita. “I witnessed them growing and our relationship evolved from me having a distant point of view to getting up close and personal.”
The project sees Negoita returning to familiar territory, choosing her hometown of Ploiesti, and the CSM Sports Club attended by her subjects, as the backdrop to her selection for Protein Journal. As well as spotlighting the emerging talent and the dedication and commitment shown by such young athletes.

The project also references Romania’s long running legacy of excellence within the sport, and pays subtle homage to Romanian gymnastic legends such as Nadia Comaneci, the first female gymnast to score a perfect 10 in the 1976 Montreal Olympics. “It’s a portrait of youth,” says Negoita.

'Birds In Space' at Protein Studios, London, EC2A 3EY, 06 – 08 June; open 10:00 - 16:00