Gabriella D'Abreau

Illustrator/Fine Artist

Contact: gabrielladabreauart@hotmail.com

Website: http://www.gabrielladabreauart.com

Biography

Gabriella D’Abreau was born and raised in Trinidad. She completed her BFA in Illustration at St John’s University, NY, graduating with highest honours in May 2010. Prior to completing her degree she attended Holy Name Convent (Port- Of -Spain, Trinidad), completing both her C.X.C examinations and Cambridge A’level examinations, the latter of which earned her a National Scholarship from the government of Trinidad. Gabriella has also won several awards, including an award for her artwork in the St. John’s University Art Department Student Show in 2009. In 2010 Gabriella interned at the prestigious ‘Society of Illustrators’ (New York) in order to increase her experience in the field of illustration.

Gabriella considers herself an illustrator, designer and fine artist and is interested in exploring a multitude of artistic practices including experimenting with various techniques and media. Although well versed in modern digital media such as Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign, Gabriella still considers herself a traditional based artist. She enjoys getting messy and having a direct discourse with the media and substrate. Although Gabriella’s work incorporates a variety of themes, techniques and media, much of her work is done using acrylic paint and to a lesser extent a combination of watercolour, gouache, ink, pens, markers and/or colour pencil.

Gabriella’s current body of work and current aesthetic interests are grounded on female-based themes: ranging from concepts of Mother Nature, perceptions of femininity, the societal implications and expectations of the female as well as personal expressive, experience based work.

 ARTIST STATEMENT

Visual Art has always been a creative outlet for me. Thematically, my art has shifted with my growth as an artist. At present, I am focused on exploring concepts of the feminine identity; inspired by my own life, and the world experienced around me. As a woman, I have very strong views about the value of the female and this is reflected within my work.

My work is dominated by concepts of power: weakness, strength, domination, submission and subjugation. My art strives to focus on the beauty of the female, inclusive of her body and mind. I strive to emphasize her importance as a member of society, and do this by expressing her as both powerful and weak; I show her exalted and debased; at her most effeminate as well as androgynously: therefore blurring the lines of gender association. My art seeks to question the gender roles we oftentimes take for granted and explore the effect of socialization on the female identity, on a physical and physiological level; both individualistically as well as societally.

On a more superficial level, I use my work to celebrate the beauty of the female form and encourage increased self awareness through the destigmatisation of the female genitalia. My art encourages a discovery and celebration of the self through a more comprehensive awareness of the female body. In effect, this acts as a vehicle for body acceptance and the nullification of body policing. It is crucial that my work not stand alone purely as art, but also social commentary. Not as something purely visual, but also intellectual and conceptual.

I allow a Caribbean narrative to intuitively, rather than directly affect my application. My work seeks to tell “the other side” of the story - the female story, by exploring femininity both objectively and subjectively. I am inspired by the similarities and differences in the human experience as seen through the kaleidoscope of the feminine perspective, and the emotions they elicit.

Symbology plays a large role in my work. Oftentimes I use repetitive symbols throughout my work. Symbols have both a personal as well as universal significance. They aim to convey on a literal and metaphorical basis, complex concepts, often with double entendres. Surrealism and stylised realism come together in my work through the vehicles of metaphor and symbology to create worlds onto themselves.

The themes and messages that I aim to express are always expressed subtly rather than blatantly. For me, concept is always key: my art always has a deeper purpose than what is suggested on the surface. In doing so I motivate the viewer to look beyond superficial exteriors. The aim is that the viewer is forced to have a discourse with the work and really think about its meaning and the implications, on both a personal and societal level. My art aims to deliver a message and incite change. It is my belief that every artwork is in a constant state of becoming. The artist does not finish a work of art; rather, the viewer becomes an equal participant when they construct meaning. The viewer in essence finishes off a piece.

I work in a variety of “styles”. One is somewhat illustrative, in that it incorporates a balance of realism and stylisations. However, I also like to work in a more expressive and thus abstract style, whereby emotion and the medium, informs the work created. These pieces tend to be more experimental.

It is essential for me as an artist to develop a deep connection with my work. My work seeks to be not just art, but also a social commentary. Through visual manifestations of power, my art celebrates the internal power that the female holds within herself. My work is a testament to woman, celebrating who she was, who she is and what she may become.


Mother Nation
2010
acrylic

 


Origins
2011
mixed media


 


Spaces
2011
mixed media


The Dance
2010
acrylic


Woman is All Brain
2011
mixed media

 


Rooted
2011
watercolour and pen


Woman is All Heart
2011
mixed media

 

 

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