“Growing up in different countries has given me a unique perspective on life. Studying psychology has deepened my understanding of human behavior, helping me see the hidden layers of human nature that are often concealed behind masks. To reflect these hidden layers, I have turned to art. My work focuses on portraiture, featuring both prominent public figures and people from my personal life. Through the use of masks, I aim to visually capture the complexity of human emotions and the different layers that make up our true selves. My art celebrates the diversity of human experience and delves into the depths of our shared humanity. The interplay of colors in my work can be seen as a metaphor for the various aspects of a person’s personality or psyche. Just as light and shadow create contrast and depth in an artwork, the interplay of light and shadow in a person represents the different facets of their personality, including their strengths and weaknesses, as well as their conscious and unconscious thoughts and feelings. The vibrant colors create a sense of energy and vitality, while the muted or subdued colors evoke a more somber or introspective mood. In the context of masks, the vibrant colors make them stand out, drawing attention to their expressive features and symbolic meanings. Meanwhile, the somber colors prompt the viewer to question: What made this mask solemn?”
Marie Andrée. Audrey One Mask. 2023
Acrylics on canvas.
80 x 100 cm
Marie Andrée, a native of Vienna, Austria, comes from a diverse cultural background with connections to Guatemala, Portugal, and Venezuela. Her rich multicultural upbringing has greatly influenced her interest in exploring various societies and their customs. Her artistic talents were honed from an early age, as her father, Jorge Goncalves Romero, himself an artist, introduced her to the captivating world of art.
Marie has found a unique way to express herself by creating shapes and forms using everyday household items. Currently, she is developing a series featuring diverse figures, including iconic personalities such as Frida Kahlo and Rigoberta Menchú. Her artistic vision is deeply rooted in her passion for psychology, and her paintings effectively capture the myriad of human emotions and expressions.
See the article in the GOLD LIST 2024 Special Edition #8