Andrea Berthel is the creator of the Canned Koi Cosmology, a series started in 2019 that encapsulates the world within a fish can. The use of bright Pop Art colors and humorous fish portrayals belie the deeper political, philosophical, social, and environmental themes embedded within each piece.
Berthel employs a hyper-realistic style, painting primarily in oil but often incorporating other mediums such as metal leaf, acrylics, and ink. She is a self-taught artist who honed her skills by studying and replicating the works of renowned Renaissance and Baroque painters, including Caravaggio, Tiepolo, Veronese, and Jan Davidsz de Heem. The influence of these masters is evident in both her mural works and her hyper-realistic style.
Born on January 6, 1958, in Santiago, Chile, Berthel has lived in an array of locations including South Africa, France, Switzerland, the Hague, and various towns in Germany. She currently calls Baden-Baden, Germany, her home. The experience of frequently changing residences has instilled in her a focus on art as a constant, fueling her journey to find a unique means of self-expression.
“Within the square confines of my canvas, I depict the world in a fish can. My artwork is message-oriented, using vibrant colors, humor, and storytelling to draw observers into a distinct universe. My koi, expressive of their feelings and state of mind, maintain their fishy appearance.
I aim to engage viewers, prompting them to ponder society, politics, and the world. It’s about our values and their realization. I avoid repelling observers with negativity; instead, I use humor and vivid hues to pique interest, inviting discovery and reflection.
An initial idea flows through my subconscious, maturing until it’s ready for formal design, where light and shadow are determined. The detailing process is fluid; I elaborate on fish portrayals and include whimsical elements. New ideas are welcomed and integrated.
I begin with a layer of oils, setting the tone for color and illumination. The lengthy process of adding thin layers follows, intensifying color and volume.
My art is an ongoing exploration, expressing my worldview oscillating between joy, laughter, anger, and sadness.”