Artist's Statement
Creativity is a way to tell a story and evoke emotion. I draw my inspiration from the great Impressionists and old masters of the Renaissance period, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Caravaggio. The philosophy of Kazimir Malevich and Suprematism, his Russian abstract art movement, offers a unique look at the world around us through its characteristically simple geometric shapes, a significant source of inspiration for my art. One of my most vital goals in creating my works is to inspire a new way of thinking, as abstract art promotes the ability to express freely in an original way.
As a trained classical painter, I chose to expand my artistic view on abstract forms that blend lines and color. My abstract work reflects my interpretation of the abstract way of thinking. I strive to capture the mood of the surrounding world through these modalities and am drawn towards the simple, unpretentious, and quotidian in framing my vision of reality. This sensibility can be reflected in my abstract series "Love in Three Colors" and "Adam & Eve Rebirth," which depict emotional connections between people, passions, and expressions of love that provoke a sense of movement as a continuation of life.
As a versatile artist, I also work with traditional materials such as oil, watercolor, ink, and pencil, creating landscapes and still-life artworks that truly capture the beauty in seemingly mundane objects and spaces. The creation of my art is a visceral experience, with my art being the tool with which I can express, envision, and share with others in unique ways the concepts of life that drive humanity most—such as love, truth, and the underlying beauty of the everyday experience.
Biography
Elena Seroff is a skillful artist hailing from Kaliningrad. Born in 1975 in a coastal Russian city, Elena developed a passion for art at a young age and dedicated herself to honing her craft. She spent her teenage years in Estonia. After finishing high school in Paldiskiy, Elena studied fashion design at LEX University in Tallinn. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Elena returned to Kaliningrad (Königsberg), where she earned her diploma from the Art and Industry College in Decorative Art. In 1996, Elena immigrated to New York, where perspectives on art continued to develop and evolve. In 2010, she participated in an intensive two-year program for figurative drawing at The National Academy and School of Fine Art. Her interest in classical drawing and painting allowed her to build a strong understanding of the core rules of fine art.
As an impressionist artist, Elena is known for her ability to capture light and color in a way that is both realistic and emotionally evocative. Impressionist art, which originated in the late 19th century, is characterized by its focus on the fleeting impressions of the world around us. Elena's impressionist paintings are filled with vibrant hues and a sense of movement, immersing the viewer in the scene.
Despite being an impressionist artist, Elena decided to branch out and start creating abstract art. This new direction has allowed her to explore deeper themes and emotions through her work. Elena often incorporates her experiences and feelings in her abstract paintings, adding intimacy and vulnerability to her art. Elena's transition from impressionist to abstract art has been an exciting evolution in her career, showing her versatility and willingness to take risks to grow and evolve.
In 2015, Elena Seroff started Clarus Art Studio for kids and began volunteering as an art director at The Pushkin Society of America. In the following years, Elena founded The Pushkin Society Artists Guild for established and emerging artists and curated many art and literature events. Elena also serves as Founder and Art Director for Artios Gallery, a curated online gallery that showcases contemporary artists selected for their unique creative and intellectual vision. In 2018, she participated in the SingForHope project. Elena's piano, "A Dreamer," inspired by Wassily Kandinsky, was installed in Carl Schultz Park and donated to Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School, New York. In 2021, Elena participated in the group exhibition "Sciarsism" at Kyiv History Museum. She received The Best Artist in Abstract award during the show and later exhibited at the Moscow Museum of Modern Art (MMOMA).
Elena is an artist whose work spans both impressionist and abstract styles. Her unique approach to capturing light and color and her willingness to delve into deeper themes through her abstract work make her a standout in art. She believes that observation, creativity, hard work, and scholarship are the keys to her development as an artist. Currently, Elena lives and works in New York City.
Downloads
CV / Selected Exhibitions ( PDF)
Curriculum Vitae
Education
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The certified program, Sotheby's Art Institute
New York, NY
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Figurative Drawing, National Academy and School of Fine Art,
New York, NY
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Professional Art and Industry College
Kaliningrad / Königsberg, Russia
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“LEX” University
Tallinn, Estonia
Collection
Artworks are represented in private collections in the USA, Spain, Russia, Estonia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, The UK.