Simona Berea

About the artist

Simona Berea is a Romanian artist whose journey with art began in childhood, driven by an early passion for painting and drawing. Originally aspiring to become an architect, she eventually pursued a path in medicine, where her artistic spirit found expression through detailed anatomical sketches in her anatomy courses. This blend of art and science laid a unique foundation for her work, merging precision with emotional depth.

Simona holds a Ph.D. in medicine and a Master’s degree in painting from the National University of Arts George Enescu in Iasi, Romania, where she graduated with the highest honors. For her Master’s thesis, she conducted a profound exploration of the expression of emotion in art, delving into neuroscience, philosophy, psychology, and art criticism to understand how visual art impacts human perception and emotional response. Her dedication to this research enriches her paintings with layers of meaning, inviting viewers into an immersive emotional experience.

While completing her Master’s, Simona’s work began receiving awards in group exhibitions, establishing her presence in the art world. In 2023, she was nominated for the Debut Prize in Painting at the Lascar Vorel National Biennale, marking a significant early achievement in her career. Her accomplishments also include the  Paris Art Prize with Artio Gallery, exhibiting at the Louvre for Art Shopping Paris 2024, and receiving the Excellence Award at the Women in Art Biennale in London 2024, where her work was prominently featured on the event’s billboard.

Simona Berea’s art explores themes of human emotion, feminine resilience, and inner philosophy, aiming to create profound connections with her audience. Her paintings have been shown internationally, including at the Musa Pavilion during the Biennale di Venezia 2024, and are acclaimed for their atmospheric quality and powerful emotional impact.

Balancing her roles as a doctor, mother, and artist, Simona is dedicated to creating art that inspires reflection and invites viewers to connect with their inner landscapes

Artwork Themes & Subject Matter

Emotion and Human Experience

The exploration of human emotions, both subtle and intense, using color, texture, and symbolism to evoke feelings that viewers connect with on a personal level.

Feminine Resilience and Inner Strength 

Artworks that celebrate feminine strength, resilience, and the inner journey of self-worth, showcasing women in moments of introspection, empowerment, or transformation.

Psychological Depth and Inner Philosophy

Pieces that convey an introspective or philosophical mood, delving into the psyche and inviting viewers to explore their own thoughts and beliefs.

Symbolism and Metaphor

The use of symbolic elements such as nature, animals, or abstract shapes that add layers of meaning, allowing viewers to interpret the artworks through their own lenses.

Gods, Goddesses, and Archetypal Figures

Representations inspired by mythological or archetypal figures that embody themes of wisdom, power, and peace, such as your goddess series inspired by Hestia and themes of inner calm and empowerment.

Duality and Contrasts

The interplay of contrasts like light and shadow, vulnerability and strength, or simplicity and complexity, creating tension and balance within each piece.

The Intersection of Art and Science

Artworks that subtly reference your medical and neuroscience background, exploring how scientific insights into the brain and perception can enhance emotional depth and viewer connection. 

Self-Discovery and Transformation

Pieces that capture moments of personal growth, transformation, or healing, often portrayed through the journeys of female figures who embody both vulnerability and empowerment. 

Press

Simona Berea’s paintings have been featured in notable magazines and online sources including Identitati Iesene, Zis si facut, Bienala Nationala de Arte Plastice Lascar Vorel, and The Land of Silence.

Upcoming Exhibitions

CV

Education

2023

Masters in Art – Painting, National University of Art “ George Enescu” , Iasi, Romania

Selected Solo Exhibitions

Zori, Galeria Victoria Iasi, Romania

Reverie, Casa de Cultura a Municipiului Iasi Gh Ursachi, Iasi, Romania

Selected Group Exhibitions

See also

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Jill Feenstra

2024

Art shopping Paris, Caroussel du Louvre Paris, France (awarded with Paris art prize)

Land of silence, Musa Pavilion during the Biennale di Venezia

Women in art biennale London, Chelsea Old Town Hall, London – excellence award

Annual Art Salon of the Union of Plastic Artists, Museum of Unification, Romania Iasi, Romania

2023

Zilele Victor Brauner, Sinagoga Catedrala “Baalm Shem Tov”, Piatra Neamt, Romania

Alternativa ‘23, Galeria Dana, Iasi, Romania

Lascar Vorel, National Biennale Piatra Neamț, Romania (nominated for debut in painting)

2022

Multiform, Galeria Aparte, Iasi, Romania

Zis si făcut, online exhibition, Iasi, Romania

2021

Identități ieșene, online exhibition, Iasi, Romania (awarded with the prize for painting and the prize of excellence)