Conscious Narratives:
Dialogues in Hyperrealism of Andrea Berthel
by Viviana Puello.
In a world saturated with visual stimuli, Andrea Berthel’s artwork offers not only a feast for the eyes but a resonant commentary that beckons deeper reflection. Her oeuvre’s marriage of Hyperrealism and Pop Art creates a visual dialogue that is both immediate and profound, making a bold statement on societal, political, and environmental issues through the unlikely yet compelling lens of the koi fish.
“Scrooge McKoi” Oil on Canvas by Andrea Berthel.
Andrea Berthel – Top Featured Artist.
Her series, marked by vivid depictions of these aquatic creatures, engages with themes ranging from the overflow of plastic in our oceans to the repercussions of greed and the machinery of war. Berthel’s intricate oil paintings are layered with other media, including metal leaf, paper, acrylics, or ink, adding texture and depth that transcends the two-dimensional canvas.
Berthel’s “Canned Koi Cosmos” serves as a symbolic container of the world’s joys and ills, encapsulated within the confines of her square canvas. Each piece is an invitation to ponder, the fish swimming in and out of issues that humanity grapples with, each stroke and color carrying the weight of a message intended to stir the observer from passivity. Berthel’s koi are not mere fish; they are passionate characters participating in stories that are much more significant than their aquatic realms.
Her creative process, as she reveals, begins with an idea that germinates in the early hours, often spurred by pressing global concerns. These ideas percolate through her consciousness until they are ready to be sketched into existence. This stage of conception is fluid and dynamic, allowing for evolution and adaptation as the painting comes to life.
“Koi Genie in a Bottle” Oil on Canvas by Andrea Berthel.
Berthel’s technique involves the careful application of thin oil paint layers; each meticulously added to enhance vibrancy and volume, a testament to her dedication to her craft. This painstaking process results in images that possess an almost three-dimensional quality, with the fish leaping from their confines, compelling the viewer to engage with the underlying narrative.
Berthel entices her audience through humor and color, drawing them into a world that mirrors our own. The whimsical nature of her work belies the seriousness of its content, creating a balance that neither overwhelms with bleakness nor trivializes the issues at hand. It’s a delicate tightrope that Berthel navigates with the agility of a seasoned artist.
Andrea Berthel – Top Featured Artist.
Her works, such as “Scrooge McKoi,” “Canned Koi Cannon,” and “Koi Genie in a Bottle,” are not merely visually arresting; they are dialogues painted in oil, discussions captured in the gaze of a fish that reflects our conscience at us. This series is an invitation to witness the clash of beauty and tragedy. This immersive experience asks us to consider our place and responsibility within the natural and social orders we inhabit.
Berthel’s art does not simply exist for aesthetic consumption; it is a call to action, a visual plea for awareness and change. She does not want to repel with negativity but rather attract with allure, allowing the discovery of her expressions to unfold naturally, revealing the profound messages encapsulated within her work.
“Canned Koi Cannon” Oil on Canvas by Andrea Berthel.
As art enthusiasts and connoisseurs of meaningful expression, we are invited to delve deeper into Andrea Berthel’s ‘canned’ worlds. While her website serves as a gateway to her entire collection, the images provided here offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of thought and emotion that she weaves.
To truly appreciate the gravity and intricacy of Berthel’s work, one must not only look but see, not only hear but listen. Her art beckons a journey—a journey through the beauty of representation and the significance of reflection. And so, with an eager heart and an open mind, let us step into the vibrant revelations of Andrea Berthel’s artistry and explore further the narratives that unfold within each captivating work. Click below to begin this discovery.
Viviana Puello
Editor-in-Chief
