Visual artists

“Very occasionally there is an artist whose work captures something well beyond the image, beyond an aesthetic value, skill or idea. Possessing a subtle power and style that places Hopkins amongst those at the forefront of contemporary painters in this country.” – Moata McNamara | MAHons

Born in the mid 70’s, Andrea lived the first part of her life in suburban Onerahi surrounded by the Whangarei Habour, BMX and skateboard packs. Eldest of two children to bicultural parents her brother was tragically killed aged 7. This event reshaped her family and the artist herself. Excelling in Maori performance arts with the group Te Timatanga she obtained the regional title for womens leadership 3 times. Jobs in resource development, youth worker coordination and education followed. The pull toward a more creative lifestyle grew stronger.

“I didn’t run away to the circus, I ran away to art school.” – Mana Magazine 2005

The art school was Northland Polytechnic studying under senior clay artist Manos Nathan. He then sent her to Toihoukura Arts School in Gisborne to study under senior painter and educator, Sandy Adsett. It was a move she credits as providing a major breakthrough in her professional development, both for the technical skills she acquired and the way they taught from a Mäori perspective. As a group, Toihoukura students then traveled the world.

“My appreciation for Aotearoa was intensified by travelling overseas. Upon my return, I developed a stronger sense of my heritage (Parehauraki, 4th generation NZ,) and what i want to paint.”

Concerned with the stories of people both past or present there is a desire to learn more about the human condition, then to express and record it in her own way.

“Andrea Hopkins takes everyday identities and makes than tightly organised symbols of duality and strength by using Maori motif against delicately brushed landscape. In her work a soaring kite becomes a spirit in flight.” – TJ McNamara | NZ Herald

Hopkins has developed an effective and subtle technique of applying many thin layers of acrylic paint, with metallic tints. An established and recogisable style, using the subtle patterns of Northland’s natural colours, her work has become notable for its stillness and simplicity. It moves in and out of surrealism, realism and abstraction. She co-ordinates landscape with geometric designs and makes use of floating symbols and significant objects.

“Already with an established and distinctive style, she is now showing an admirable consistency, with the promise of more to come.” – Laurence Clark | Northern Advocate

www.andreaevehopkins.com