Elena Ricci: Painting as a Bridge Between Visible and Invisible

Elena Ricci, born in Rome in 1973 and based in Milan since 2008, is a figurative painter whose work draws on psychology, mythology, and esotericism. After studying at École Nationale Supérieure d'Arts Paris-Cergy (1998–2002) and earlier in Lausanne, she returned to Rome for group shows before moving to Milan. Her solo exhibitions include a 2011 show at Galleria Uno+Uno, home galleries like Da Vicino (2012–2015), and a 2019 solo show 'Who by Fire' at Viasaterna in Milan, titled after Leonard Cohen's song inspired by a Hebrew liturgical poem. Ricci collects anonymous photographs from the early 20th century as source material, focusing on human figures. Her 'Masks' series uses partial erasure to reveal hidden dimensions. She cites visionaries like Pontormo, Beccafumi, William Blake, Odilon Redon, Emil Nolde, Max Beckmann, and contemporaries Neo Rauch, James Turrell, and Billy Childish. Drawing is central to her practice for its honesty. She paints quickly to preserve spontaneity, with long preparation. Her night scenes explore the irrational and unconscious. Nature references Caspar David Friedrich's 'Monk by the Sea'. She sees painting as an ancient technique capable of new creation, akin to music. She believes painting is regaining its place in Italian contemporary art.