BIO

Elisa Pesapane (1979) graduated at the Royal Academy of the Hague in 2004 and in 2008 in Italian Language and Culture at Leiden University. Besides developing and exhibiting her work, Elisa Pesapane also works as an illustrator, makes portraits and murals on commission and developes cultural projects and workshops for schools.

As a daughter of an Italian mother and a Dutch father she carries two histories within her. Two places which she is strongly connected with, but unfortunately these two identities will never be able to merge completely. Being bilingual is her treasure and at the same time her greatest grief. This is of great influence on all her thoughts and actions  and therefore here also lies the basis of her painting.

Elisa Pesapane´s work  has a strong connection with literature. Among the artist that have influenced her the most we will find  as many writers as painters. Through the intensive studying of literature at Leiden University she learned how to ‘build’ a story and create balance in it. An artwork consists of various layers (composition, color, story, etc.) All of these have to be in perfect balance with each other, otherwise everything will collapse.  According to Elisa Pesapane balance is of great importance in every form of art. 

She moulds all the things that inspire her into a character, prop or setting. As if they were part of a play. Everything has its place and function.

They are  short tragical comedies “written in oil”.