We are delighted to announce the continuation and 2019 opening of exhibits at the Stetson Gallery in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead, 28 Mugford St., Marblehead MA, with artist, Nedret Andre’s new work!

“Rhythms in Nature" will be exhibited September 4 - October 11, 2019 and is a series of abstract paintings inspired by seagrass habitats. In this new collection Andre explores how patterns found in eelgrass meadows can be interpreted into abstract motifs. Andre volunteers with several eelgrass conservation groups in Massachusetts. During the opening reception, BU marine scientist, Dr. Alyssa Novak will talk about the eelgrass restoration efforts in the North Shore.

Nedret Andre captures the poetry present in our oceans. In “Harvest Moon” for example, muted grays mingling with dark blue hues while a warm undertone pokes through in places. In this painting she captures an invented space infused by an orange glow. Small rhythmic charcoal marks weave through the painting. Tiny specs of golden orange bounce off of the seagrass blades. Almost like an orchestra there are many micro movements culminating in the experience of the whole. “I’m interested in depicting the sensations of light and color that I experience when I am out in seagrass meadows. There are multiple layers of movements all happening at the same time, just beautiful orchestrated synchronicity.”
Intrigued by the patterns and rhythms created in eelgrass habitats, Andre brings various lines and shapes which repeat throughout her compositions. For example, in “O2 Bubbles” she exaggerates curvilinear shapes that resemble large scale bubbles. She zooms in to provide a drippy macro view of what Oxygen bubbles may look like as seagrass releases them up into the water column.

“Moving Land” traces of the contours of shifting land underwater. Lines weave through interlocking shapes, while greens and yellows lay below the creamy surface of white oil paint. Texture and pattern repeat in different places almost becoming geometric and then dissolving into another organic iteration. Sand covers rock, an orange mollusk shell reveals itself partially hidden. Andre is interested in capturing these moments of structure and loss as a metaphor for what is happening in eelgrass habitats.

Nedret Andre is a Boston-based artist who has been reviewed in Art New England and ArtScope Magazine. She received her BFA in Painting at Massachusetts College of Art, and her MFA from Maine College of Art. She is collected internationally and is represented by Beacon Gallery, Boston and Walsingham Gallery, Newburyport.

Dr. Alyssa Novak is a coastal ecologist and seagrass expert working for BU. Her current research focuses on seagrass restoration and the impact of invasive species on seagrasses such as the European green crab..

Please join us for Nedret Andres's opening Reception with speaker Dr. Alyssa Novak: Sunday, Sep. 8, 2019, 12:00 - 2:00 PM