Elitsa Ristova

Elitsa Ristova is a painter born in 1991 and currently lives and works in London. Her artistic practice centers on portraiture, through which she skillfully unveils the diverse and multifaceted character of 21st-century metropolitan society. Rooted in a feminist perspective, Ristova’s artistic practice aims to portray young women in a manner that transcends traditional representations and resists the pervasive gaze of objectification. Through a curated color palette suffused with warmth, she imbues her subjects with a sense of agency and strength. Their direct eye contact, solemn expressions, and closed-off body language serve as a potent challenge to the viewer, demanding a deeper engagement and questioning societal norms.

Against minimalist, single-colored backgrounds, the figures of her sitters flow gracefully, their smooth, oil-painted skin leading the observer's gaze inexorably to their faces. She deliberately avoids the trompe-l'oeil effect to underscore her belief that viewers should perceive her creations as painted interpretations rather than mere imitations of reality. With this intentional approach, she invites audiences to regard the individuals depicted with care, respect, and occasional veneration, while also challenging the notion of women's bodies as objects to be consumed. In her work, Ristova continues her commitment to confront the commodification of women's bodies and bodies of color in the realm of visual arts. Through immersive experiences that provoke introspection and dialogue, she wants the viewers to contemplate the complexities of identity in our contemporary, post-pandemic landscape, challenging ingrained gender stereotypes and fostering empowerment.

Her works serve as an exploration of contemporary portraiture through a feminist lens, challenging entrenched norms and amplifying marginalized voices. She seeks to engage audiences in visually and intellectually stimulating encounters that ignite conversations about gender, power, and representation, ultimately advocating for greater inclusivity and equity in the art world and beyond.

Hailing from a town in North Macedonia, Ristova's early interest in art was nurtured by private lessons and further cultivated at the Goce Delčev University of Štip. Driven by a desire to expand her artistic horizons, she moved to London and studied at the London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA). Her exhibition history includes a significant solo show in 2021, 'Equanimity of the Mind,' during her time as Artist in Residence at LCCA. She has also contributed to several group exhibitions, including 'In a New Light' curated by Art City Works, 'Wounds' in collaboration with BURST LDN, and 'A sea of white shirts + communicating ideas' at LCCA. More recently, her work was featured in her first solo exhibition at the ZOYA Museum in Bratislava, Slovakia, and at the KIAF 2024 art fair in Seoul, Korea.

Education

2021 - 2023
London Collage of Contemporary Arts, (MA)

2018 - 2021
Goce Delčev University, Štip, North Macedonia (BFA)