Artist Interview: IN CONVERSATION WITH REBEKAH ANDRADE
We had the opportunity to sit down with Rebekah Andrade for a brief discussion with the artist just before her highly-anticipated exhibition at Mark Moore Fine Art, which not only serves as her debut with the gallery, but also her much-awaited introduction to the renowned ARTSY platform, to discuss her diverse practice and exploration of abstract painting through expressionism, geometric abstraction, hard-edge techniques, and pattern. This is what she had to say.
"I’m fascinated by the essence of a painting, and started contemplating the fundamental elements and balance of my work. I felt inspired to explore the impulse to push boundaries, go beyond initial beauty, and create unconventional compositions."
Rebekah Andrade’s practice, explores the intricate language of abstract painting, navigating through the diverse realms of expressionism, geometric abstraction, hard-edge techniques, and pattern. Drawing upon past works, personal references, and familiar forms, she embarks on a structured journey of creation, allowing the essence of each element to guide her.
Through a meticulous process involving layered paint, collage, mixed media, and experimental techniques, she aims to leave behind visible traces of her artistic evolution, inviting viewers to witness the gradual transformation of each piece. Rebekah’s interest lies in exploring the notion of what constitutes an intriguing painting and the amount of information required to captivate the viewer's attention.
She is particularly drawn to the concept of reductive painting, wherein she commences with bold, vivid strokes and gradually covers up the past layers to extract a minimalist image. This process serves as a catalyst for introspection, prompting her to investigate questions surrounding the history of representation, the boundaries of perception, and the intricate interplay of aesthetics, status, and image reproduction.
Through her work, she aspires to provide insight and clarity into our contemporary visual culture and communication trends, offering viewers a window into the complexities of the human experience.
Rebekah Andrade is a contemporary abstract artist working and living in Charlotte, North Carolina. She holds a BFA in Visual Arts from Emily Carr University of Art + Design and a Graphic Design Certificate from Parsons School of Design in New York City. Currently, she teaches drawing at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
What sparked your work's creation, and inspired you?
Amy Sillman’s book "Faux Pas" had a significant impact on my work a few years ago. Her idea about art going beyond beauty stayed with me. I was fascinated by the essence of a painting and started to contemplate its fundamental elements and the balance of detail. Sillman’s observation that a single brushstroke can communicate everything both frustrated and motivated me. I felt inspired to explore the impulse to push boundaries and redirected myself accordingly.
Andrade in the studio 2023
How do you start your paintings conceptually?
I gather all my art supplies which include construction paper, paints, glue, colored pencils, favorite art books, magazines, and images from my phone. Then, I begin creating mixed media studies by playing with the compositions through texture, material, and pattern. This space gives me a different kind of freedom I don't always get when working on large paintings. It brings me joy, and I often form an attachment to the small works. After creating several studies I move to my studio to paint.
Rebekah Andrade "Water Park" (2022) in the gallery
What techniques or mediums did you use?
These current works helped me to express my artistic language with greater effectiveness, becoming more fluent in my painting style. I experimented with various new materials and concepts, switching back and forth between them. I worked with oil sticks, tissue paper, oil pen, and cold wax. However, it took a lot of work to navigate through how much detail I should add to my work and how much material should be used. It's a landscape that I'm still processing and coming to understand.
Andrade in the studio 2023
How has your style evolved? Where does this work fit in?
My work has become more complex, yet visually simplified. Each step is thoughtful, striving to create engaging work. I implemented a subtractive method, where I paint over unnecessary elements and then add selected ones back into the painting. This process requires a lot of time and patience. Sometimes, I spend hours just sitting with a painting, making only a few moves. My style has evolved, but my work remains consistent. Although each painting is unique, they all reflect my artistic journey.
Rebekah Andrade "Skip and Jump" (2023) in the gallery
What themes or ideas are you currently exploring?
I embrace diverse compositions, linking them with a common thread. I avoid repetition, fixed styles, and conforming to artistic expectations. My aim is to go beyond initial beauty and create unconventional compositions that hold moments of joy and tranquility. Each painting has its own identity, which I deeply respect. Although I'm still figuring out what the future holds for my work, I'm confident that it will continue to delight, surprise, and connect.
Rebekah Andrade in the studio 2024
