Interview: Andreia Rocha
Luca Curci talks with Andreia Rocha during VISIONS, third appointment of the ANIMA MUNDI 2022 art fair, at Palazzo Bembo.

Andreia Rocha, a Portuguese artist based in Vienna, with a background in molecular biology and scientific research, began combining her passion for science and art a few years ago. Her background enables her to bring to life a distinctive perception on the wonders of basic science. Her work demonstrates a collision of in-depth scientific knowledge and love for art, allowing for creations representing a unique perspective and interpretation of complex and abstract concepts.

Luca Curci – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
Andreia Rocha – I studied science, more specifically molecular biology and cancer biology. My studies and current work with science are my biggest sources of inspiration. Looking at the beautiful microscopical life that lives within ourselves and every living being makes me want to share it with everyone through art.

LC – What are you currently working on?
AR – I am currently starting a series of works based on rare genetic diseases which I aim to bring more awareness to. I am combining different techniques and will hopefully have some larger pieces included this time. I will try to go away from the digital bit more.

LC – Do visitors’ suggestions enrich yourself and your art?
AR – Oh, most definitely! I love hearing what people have to say about my work and what I can focus more on next time and in future works. I love to hear and see how people react to my illustrations.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
AR – Yes, it did! I did not color my illustrations in the past and they retained more of a sketch look. Only after I started experimenting with colors digitally did it start to resemble the works I presented at the exhibition. Although, my style is not completely “set in stone”. I change and experiment with different mediums and techniques depending on what I am trying to achieve.

LC – Which art themes do you pursue? What is your preferred subject, if there is any?
AR – I am always drawn more to a scientific subject but I also pursue other themes such as representing the culture of a specific country, especially one that I am immersed in, like my own or where I live.

LC – We were attracted by your last artistic production, has the artwork presented been created for the exhibition or as a part of preexisting works?
AR – I was incredibly honored and pleased by the fact that you were so interested in my work and wanted to give me this amazing opportunity to showcase my art in Venice during the international art fair. The work presented was created before the exhibition and it is indeed a part of a pre-existing set of works I made during my studies based on cell division.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the exhibition?
AR – I agree with your vision and I think the set of artworks you have curated was just incredible. I love the attention you bring into the artworks and artists you work with. The theme of the exhibition was amazing and I loved seeing so many interpretations and ways to fit the theme. It was also a perfect theme for me. “Visions” is exactly what I intended to show with my own work.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
AR – amazing opportunity! The venues you have access to are incredible and the network you have established is impressive to say the least. I have had a massive amount of support and feedback that made my life much easier throughout the entire process of the exhibition.

LC – What are your suggestions about our services? Is there something more we can provide to artists?
AR – I suggest that you keep doing what you are doing. I have only started working with you but, so far, I actually have nothing to add. You have surprised me very positively on how much you support and give new opportunities for the artists you are working with.

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID Group?
AR – I think the group has an amazing structure and is incredibly professional towards everything. I also love the fact that you have access to venues all over the world and give the chance to new emerging as well as established artists to get to these venues and start building or advance their careers.