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Neberra
About
Artist's statement
My work is deeply connected to my unconscious—especially in the way I perceive the world and process my fears and anxieties. The images I create emerge as a mediator between my subconscious and the surrounding reality, offering, from a psychoanalytic perspective, a profound interpretation of different aspects of my mind.
Over time, I have come to understand that the creative and interpretative process is not always successful. In this way, I find myself in a continuous cycle of evolution and learning, striving to better decipher the messages of my subconscious.
I am not devoid of opinions and concerns about the world around me—on the contrary, it is precisely this instability that fuels my artistic process, compelling me to resolve it as best as I can through painting. Since my artistic journey began at a young age, I have found myself drawn to Surrealism, and later to Pop Surrealism, where I now situate my work.
Biography
Paul Neberra was born in Mainz, Germany, where he spent part of his childhood before moving with his family to Portugal in the 1980s.
After earning a degree in Graphic Design, he worked as an illustrator for a small children's magazine project. Between 2006 and 2007, he worked at a small advertising agency before taking on a teaching position at a training school in Lisbon, where he spent the next five years teaching graphic software while continuing to create illustrations, primarily through digital media. In 2013, he decided to dedicate himself entirely to painting, participating in various group and solo exhibitions. His work has been featured in several art magazines, including Catapult, Blopop, Hey, Beautiful Bizarre, and Heavy Metal.
At first glance, some of Neberra’s works resemble paintings from the classical era. His pictorial technique and style are rooted in Renaissance and Baroque influences, yet his work reveals contemporary elements upon closer inspection. Hidden within his compositions, one can find UFOs, fantastical creatures, and references to iconic films and television shows from the 1950s, 60s, and 80s.
Neberra’s preferred themes often explore melancholy wrapped in mystical undertones, tempered with a touch of sarcasm. His characters range from realistic figurative portraits to elaborate, cartoon-like figures.
In addition to collective exhibitions in the United States, Italy, Portugal, and London, his work has been featured in several blogs and contemporary art magazines.