The Mesmerizing, Apocalyptic Art of Andrea Bergen
Andrea Bergen holding a print of one of her beloved pigeon pieces. She sees pigeons as a strong example of human influence on the animal world. Photo by Vita Hewitt.
A violently adorable raccoon looms ominously from a shopping cart filled with junk food against an idyllic seascape. Around her fly seagulls and a pigeon wearing a pink iced donut. I say ‘her’, because emerging from this raccoon’s fur are tiny baby raccoons. Hissing from the bottom of the shopping cart is a mother possum, also adorned with her babies. Two small dogs dance among junk food wrappers as this apocalyptic cart of madness flies by.
Look a little closer and you will realize that this detailed rendering is not a painting. It’s hand-cut paper. This is Birth of Raccoon by San Francisco artist Andrea Bergen, it was my introduction to her world. If you don’t know her work yet, I think it’s time you did.
‘Birth of Raccoon’ by Andrea Bergen was part of The DeYoung Open.
Each one of Bergen’s works are a frenetic explosion of colors and wild-eyed animals. They are as terrifying as they are mesmerizing. Each time I’ve seen her works in a show I’ve noticed that viewers stop in mid-conversation as the impact reaches them. Bergen herself is quiet and calm. She possesses an admirable work ethic and a quirky sense of humor.
Each art piece is more fantastical than the last. She uses these scenes to deal with her anxiety over climate change and the changing landscape. I had the opportunity to visit her at her studio and she answered a few questions for us. Her work is currently on display at Moth Belly Gallery through April 27th, 2024, the show also displays her newly formed sculptures, we suggest you go see her incredible beasts in three dimensions.
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Meet Andrea Bergen, an artist you should know…
What is your background in art?
I’ve been drawing and painting animals since I was little. In middle school I was the Pokémon drawing kid that would make Pikachu on request and went through a protracted Pegasus/unicorn period.
I graduated from the Painting and Drawing Program at CCA in 2013. The work I made there was very Pop Art inspired. I created 8x8ft acrylic and oil paintings with brightly colored pastiches of celebrities, food, and animals. For the past ten years I’ve been lucky to have studios and the ability to make art consistently.
Our Lady of Waffle House by Andrea Bergen.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Oakland then moved further east to Moraga when I was a teenager. Now I live and work in the Mission. I’ve been in the Bay Area almost my entire life.
What drew you to cut paper?
I found that the paper suited my artistic temperament much better than paint. I never enjoyed mixing colors or using all the various paint additives and hated waiting for everything to dry. I never had the patience to paint in the clean, “paint by number” style I was going for. The collage process on the other hand is endlessly additive and I’m able to get ideas out more quickly in my own representational yet cartoonish way.
I really enjoy the simplicity of the materials, I’m just using scissors, colored paper, and a gel medium as glue. I’m compelled to see how many textures and visual effects I can create just by using the paper.
Bergen cuts each piece by hand. She’s used her scissors so much that she has callous on her finger that she lovingly calls her “money bump”. Photo by Vita Hewitt.
A lot of your subject matter involves climate change. Can you say more about that?
The simple landscapes I was creating with the early collages morphed into fantastical visions of the future in which animals frolick in the post-apocalyptic ruins of society. They eat the junk food that never expired and get completely wired on energy drinks and sugar. These scenes are my way of dealing with the horrifying reality of climate change. Creating these fantasies are cathartic for me and an outlet for my anxiety about the future.
As I continue to create them I think they have a more personal narrative as well. I view the animals as my avatars. They rampage, vandalize, and gorge on whatever they want. These are the things I do not do, they are free in a way that I am not. I get asked if I’m eating all the food I represent in the collages but I’m a sugar addict and try to keep a lid on it.
What shows or talks do you have coming up?
I have an artist talk at Transmission Gallery in Oakland on April 20th 2pm. There will be a closing party for Wild In The Streets at Moth Belly Gallery Friday April 26th 7-9pm. I’ll also have a piece in the upcoming Food Chain show at The Drawing Room on Clement Street and more collages in the Candy Crush group show at Moth Belly in July.
What is your dream exhibition for art? What would it look like?
I really want to explode off the dimensions of the panels I’ve been collaging on. I started making the Papier-mache sculptures to create a more immersive viewing experience and bring the audience into the world of my collages. I would love to take over an entire space with paintings, sculptures and collages that completely surround the viewer in the environment of the animals.
A scene from Bergen’s current show with fellow artist John Casey at Moth Belly Gallery this month. Photo by Andrea Bergen.
What’s the best part of being an artist in San Francisco?
There is a vibrant community of artists here all doing totally different and unique work. Despite the corporatization of just about everything, there is still a DIY and experimental spirit. I think we all feel dedicated to keeping the city on a map as an art stronghold and are committed to carrying the flame for the bizarre counter-cultural SF.
What’s the most challenging part?
Artists here are getting squeezed from the high cost of living, unstable studio/living situations, and general grind of trying to make art while surviving. Everybody is tired but keeps going because there’s no other choice but to keep creating. I’m extremely fortunate and grateful to have a support system that allows me to almost exclusively focus on my art practice.
Which galleries or art spaces should we be checking out?
The new Drawing Room Annex on Valencia &17th Street, The BirdCage, Mini Mart, MAG Galleries.
Anything else you’d like to add?
One of my favorite compliments is when someone says my collage looks like Lisa Frank on acid.
Bergen holds Our Lady of Waffle House which does, in fact, look like Lisa Frank on acid. Photo by Vita Hewitt.
Site: Andreabergen.com
Watch our interview with Andrea at her studio here:
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