Contextual Statement
Elena (b. 1998) is a non-binary artist born in Edinburgh, living and working in London. After graduating with a First Class Honours from Camberwell College of Art Sculpture in 2019, Elena is now studying to achieve their Masters in Sculpture at the RCA.
Elena's practice spans a wide variety of ideas and methods however they work predominantly in sculpture and performance, looking at themes relating to Gender, Identity Politics and Queer Theory. A narrative undercurrent often runs through their work, which they use as a framework for exploring a greater message or school of thought. Story-telling through performance and objects is key to Elena's practice.
Looking at the world through the lens of abjection, Elena uses this as tool for exploring their human experience. Whether it be through objects or performance, the bodily and the repulsive become excellent tools for exploring the dysphoric nature of the human condition.
CV
Education
Foundation Diploma in Art & Design - 2015-16 - Camberwell College of Arts, UAL
BA (Hons) Fine Art Sculpture - First Class - 2016-19 - Camberwell College of Arts, UAL
MA Sculpture - 2021-23 - Royal College of Art
Awards
The Gilbert Bayes Award in association with the Royal College of Art Sculpture programme
2023
Soft & Hard : Beyond Recognition and Queer Coding, Curated by Whiskey Chow, Bermondsey Project Space, London
2022
RCA WIP Show, Online
We Won't Stop Showing, Set Woolwich, London
Too Much Fruit on the Cake, The Take Courage Gallery, London
Wildstone Publication, in collaboration with The Poorhouse Reading Rooms, Van Gogh House, Tate Archives and the Freud Museum
2020
Artfem 'Natura', International Biennial of Macau, Albergue SCM, Macau
Re-staging of 'Keep eating actual food so you don't get saccharin shits', 50m, London,
What Is She, Ex-Baldessarre, Bedford & Big Shop Friday, Milton Keynes
2019
'Sports Team - Fishing' (Dir. Kris Rimmer), Styling
'HMLTD - Loaded' (Dir. Mood Killer), Art Dept Assisting
Camberwell College of Art Degree Show 2019, Camberwell College of Art, Camberwell, London
Croaky Throat, Take Courage Gallery, New Cross, London
TBC, Copeland Gallery, London
2018
Liminal Environments, The Silver Building, Silvertown, London
The Two Women Who Found Freedom (Performance), Camberwell College of Art (Wilson Road), Camberwell, London
Valkyries Collective, hARTslane Gallery, New Cross, London
SPACE HONEY, Safehouse 1, Peckham, London
Bad Art Presents: Touch Me Baby, Bone & Pearl Studios, London
Over Capacity, CPG London, London
2017
In the Making, AMP Studios, London
'Joe Hertz - Goodbye Kisses (Feat. Pip Millet)' (Dir. Will Reid), Costumes Design
Mylifeisover101, London
First Year Fine Art – Final Show, Camberwell College of Art, London
Reduced to Clear, Camberwell College of Art, London
2016
How to Eat a Grapefruit, The Crypt, Camberwell, London
Maude (Dir. Will Reid), Prop design and performance, Polyester Zine
CCW Foundation Diploma Final Show, Camberwell College of Art (Wilson Road), London