Below the Surface

Concept

The Need To Paint:

Esther Barend has an unstoppable need to paint. She examines the entire life inevitable from her personal perspective as an artist.

The paintings in her abstract series are mostly autobiographical by nature, inspired by her rich and complex inner world, her current emotions, contemporary events and the beautiful nature around her. Living in the beautiful region of Valencia in Spain, her past journeys, everything that constantly catches her eye, is incorporated into her work.

The portraits in her figurative series are open-minded reflections of perfect imperfections. Esther loves all colours, both literally and figuratively speaking. People judge easily about others, to distract themselves from their own imperfections, both inside and outside. Apparently people need to worship, hate (or something in between) others, to identify themselves. Esther’s paintings consist of many colours and layers, just like all people do. On social media you only see the outside, the part you want others to see. But we all have deeper layers, and much more colours on the inside. We are all human.

Barend wants to stimulate the spectator to use their own imagination. She wants to take the viewer along into a fascinating spectacle, which has been built by intense colours, contrasts and powerful movements ... into another world that only exists in your own mind.

Everything is open, no fixed standards, no expectations, but total freedom.