Alexandra Grant's Artistic Journey Inspired by Antigone
“I Was Born to Love, Not to Hate”—the Painter Taking Inspiration From “Antigone”

Image: Harper's Bazaar
Artist Alexandra Grant explores themes of love and defiance in her latest exhibition, 'Anakainōsis,' inspired by the Greek myth of Antigone. The show reflects her decade-long engagement with the character and her mantra, 'I was born to love, not to hate,' as she transitions into a new phase of her artistic career.
- 01Alexandra Grant's 'Antigone 3000' series began in response to the 2014 police killing of Michael Brown, blending abstract painting with themes of memory and resistance.
- 02The phrase 'I was born to love, not to hate' serves as a central mantra for Grant, reflecting her personal and artistic challenges over the past decade.
- 03Grant's latest works push further into abstraction, emphasizing emotional expression over legibility, as seen in her piece 'Volcania (2026)'.
- 04The exhibition 'Anakainōsis,' meaning renewal in Greek, represents Grant's transition from her exploration of Antigone to new artistic directions.
- 05The show will be on display at Albert Benda in New York City from May 21 to July 3.
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Alexandra Grant, a Berlin-based artist, has dedicated over a decade to exploring themes of love, defiance, and transformation through her 'Antigone 3000' series, inspired by the Greek myth of Antigone. This series emerged after the 2014 police killing of Michael Brown, leading Grant to create vibrant, abstract works that reflect her response to societal violence and personal challenges. Central to her work is the mantra 'I was born to love, not to hate,' which has guided her creative process. In her latest exhibition, 'Anakainōsis,' meaning renewal, Grant showcases her evolution as an artist, moving towards more abstract expressions that prioritize emotional resonance over textual clarity. The exhibition features pieces like 'Volcania (2026),' where the words are nearly obscured, symbolizing her journey of letting go and embracing transformation. Grant's work not only honors the enduring legacy of Antigone but also marks a significant transition in her artistic career. 'Anakainōsis' will be on view at Albert Benda in New York City from May 21 to July 3.
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Grant's exhibition highlights themes of love and resistance, resonating with contemporary societal issues.
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