“I want to paint what you and I have in common, cover it in glamorous dresses and jewellery, and then make you laugh when you discover the hidden details.”
A Journey of Rediscovery: From Psychology to Painting
Tereza Barnard’s artistic journey is one of profound transformation, fueled by a unique combination of intellectual curiosity and personal introspection. Despite not pursuing formal art studies, she built her creative foundation on a background in psychology, a field that deeply informs her approach to painting. Barnard views art as an unspoken dialogue, a mode of communication that transcends words. Her understanding of the subconscious mind allows her to explore themes of shared human experience, using her art to connect with viewers on an intuitive level.
For Barnard, painting is more than just an aesthetic pursuit—it’s a channel for expressing emotions and universal truths that often remain unspoken. She is fascinated by the way nonverbal elements in art can convey hidden aspects of the self, both from the artist’s perspective and the audience’s. Through her work, she seeks to create a sense of resonance that reminds viewers of their shared humanity. Her mission is clear: to make art a space where strangers from different worlds can find common ground, united by shared emotions and experiences that unfold through the layers of her compositions.
Her perspective on communication extends to her creative process. Barnard strives to convey these deeper truths through realism paired with subtle abstraction, producing works that demand more than a passing glance. These elements ensure that her paintings engage viewers on a subconscious level, sparking reflection and evoking a feeling of being understood.
Tereza Barnard: Inspired by Life, Memory, and Unlikely Beginnings
Barnard’s journey into the world of art began with the rekindling of a childhood dream. While her initial image of artists—a figure with a beret and paint-smeared hands—felt incompatible with her own identity, her perspective shifted dramatically after the birth of her daughter. A chance encounter with a book about discovering one’s true calling helped her reconnect with moments of pure excitement from her youth. She recalled school trips to artist studios, where the smell of paint seemed to awaken something in her soul. These memories became a guiding light, steering her toward a career as a professional artist.
Determined to create a life she had long envisioned, Barnard embraced painting with unwavering dedication. She made a conscious decision to prioritize her passion, crafting her career one deliberate step at a time. By immersing herself in the process and focusing on her goals, she eventually realized that the life of an artist was no longer a distant aspiration but her lived reality.
Her work is rooted in themes of identity and shared experiences, particularly those tied to the roles and expectations placed on women. Barnard frequently portrays young girls and women in her paintings, using these subjects as a lens through which to explore broader societal narratives. Through her signature mix of realism and abstraction, she uncovers the tension between outer appearances and inner truths, crafting works that are simultaneously beautiful and thought-provoking.
Art as Storytelling: Hidden Layers of Beauty and Complexity
Tereza Barnard’s artistic style is an intricate blend of realism and abstraction, a combination she uses to create layers of meaning within her paintings. While her work exhibits the technical precision of realism, she deliberately incorporates subtle disruptions that challenge the viewer’s initial impressions. This duality ensures that her paintings draw people in with their visual beauty, only to surprise them with deeper, often unexpected, narratives.
One of her recurring themes is the exploration of femininity and societal expectations. Her “Beauty Queen” series, for example, delves into the juxtaposition of childhood innocence and the pressures of perfection often imposed on women. The series reflects on a shared experience many women can relate to—loving the idea of glamorous dresses as children, only to later realize the weight of expectations that come with them. Through her work, Barnard invites viewers to confront these memories and emotions, often with a touch of humor or irony.
Barnard’s painting Trust serves as a prime example of her artistic ethos. The piece depicts a young beauty queen holding a crown, her pristine appearance disrupted by subtle details like droplets of blood on her finger and dress. These elements add a narrative layer, encouraging viewers to look beyond the surface and reflect on themes of vulnerability and authenticity. In Barnard’s own words, this painting exemplifies her desire to move beyond “small talk” in art, offering instead a space for honest and meaningful conversations.
Tereza Barnard: Crafting Personal Connections Through Creativity
The creation of art for Tereza Barnard extends beyond the canvas. Her studio and workspace are carefully curated to foster creativity, featuring minimalist designs with clean lines, white walls, and natural wood tones. This simplicity serves as a backdrop for her vibrant paintings, allowing them to take center stage. She is deeply invested in the quality of her materials, especially her oil paints, which she believes bring unmatched richness and vibrancy to her work.
Beyond her studio, Barnard has also embraced technology to create a more intimate connection with her audience. She has developed a virtual art experience on her website, where viewers can explore her work in an immersive and interactive way. Through features like video tours of her paintings and hidden details accessible only to collectors, Barnard has found innovative ways to share the stories behind her art. This personal approach deepens the relationship between the artist and her audience, transforming her paintings into a shared experience.
Barnard’s artistic influences reflect her admiration for complexity and intentionality in art. She is particularly inspired by Lisa Yuskavage and abstract artists whose works unfold gradually, rewarding viewers with new discoveries upon closer inspection. This philosophy echoes in her own creations, which aim to balance bold visual impact with understated intricacies. Whether through the interplay of color, texture, or narrative elements, Barnard’s work invites viewers to pause, reflect, and connect on a personal level.
