Whitford’s Quay Gallery is hosting an exhibition of paintings by self-taught fine artist Andreea Ionela Berindei.
Originally from Romania, she now lives in New Zealand after previously establishing her practice in Southern California in the United States.
Berindei has gained international recognition for her stunningly realistic acrylic paintings of ocean scenes and waterscapes.
She continues to translate her thalassophobia – a fear of deep or large bodies of water – into hyper-real acrylic seascapes, attributing her creative inspiration to her faith.
Her paintings are in private collections across New Zealand, North America, Europe, China, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates, with one work housed in Dubai’s Presidential Palace.
Her showcase at Quay Gallery is entitled New Shores and is her first exhibition in New Zealand.
It features six new acrylic paintings, all of which explore themes of water, courage, and faith.
“The fine art realism pieces show oceanic scenes with crashing waves and translucent water effects,” Berindei says.
“What makes this collection particularly personal is that I’ve been painting water despite struggling with thalassophobia.
“Each wave I paint is both a challenge and a prayer. I pour my dreams, struggles, and hopes into these paintings.
“The irony isn’t lost on me that water, which terrifies me in life, becomes my sanctuary on canvas.
“While I hope my work speaks for itself, what I want visitors to take away is a sense of courage to face ‘new shores’ like I’ve done many a time in my life, including taking swimming lessons recently and even relocating to New Zealand.
“Facing our deepest fears can become our greatest strengths when we surrender them to something larger than ourselves.”
