fine art painter
meet the artist.
Elsa ÅKESSON is a mixed race painter based in London.
Originally from Sweden & Madagascar, Elsa was born and raised in Madagascar, the place she calls home.
From the age of 9 onwards, she grew up in Switzerland, & later moved to Madrid, London & New York City for her education.
In 2020, Elsa graduated from the University of the Arts London (UAL) with a bachelors in fine arts, specializing in painting.
In 2022, she graduated with distinction from Sotheby's Institute, New York City, for her masters in Art Business.
For portrait commissions please fill in the form below.
ARTIST STATEMENt.
I am a mixed-race figurative painter with roots in Madagascar and Sweden. My work is deeply inspired by the purity and essence of life, reflecting the profound influence of my multicultural background. While each series may focus on different themes, my art consistently emphasizes the transformative connection between life, nature, time, space, memories, and color.
I often observe the emotions expressed in nature through movement, which I translate into texture in some of my pieces. In contrast, I sometimes capture emotional moments through delicate brushstrokes within the realm of realistic oil painting.
My studio practice is strongly influenced by the joyful innocence of children in Madagascar, where I highlight the beauty in everyday moments. I explore the significance of family and the idea that "happiness is not measured by how much you have, but by the gratitude for what you have."
Bold, complementary colors are a signature of my style, often paired with neat, cubic shapes that instinctively emerge in my work. This visual language reflects my personal expression, offering clarity and focus in a world that can feel overly structured.
The playful, cubic colors in my paintings create a meditative space, inviting viewers to reconnect with childhood's joy and freedom. These colors evoke happiness, brighten the mind, and serve as a reminder that blessings, light, and hope are always present.
Each of my works takes an average of 300 hours to complete, transforming raw canvases and inspiration drawn from my photography into living pieces of art.
Vivid colors remain one of my strongest expressions, symbolizing the joy of life, happiness, and blessings. The subjects I explore are rooted in what I feel most emotionally connected to: my homeland of Madagascar, the power and beauty of femininity, and the essence of life itself.
CONTACT
let's keep intouch!
