Elitsa Ristova

Elitsa Ristova, A Sacred Bond, 2024, 150 x 120 cm, oil on canvas

Seoul, South Korea — Elitsa Ristova, a contemporary artist hailing from North Macedonia, is set to present her latest solo exhibition, “Portraits”, at the Korea International Art Fair (KIAF) 2024. Born in 1991, Ristova is renowned for her ability to bridge the rich artistic traditions of her homeland with modern portrayals that challenge and redefine the representation of women in art.

Ristova’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in the cultural legacy of North Macedonia, a region steeped in the history of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Her work is a bold reimagining of traditional Macedonian art, infused with a contemporary approach that emphasizes the strength, confidence, and defiance of her female subjects, including self-portraits.

In “Portraits,” Ristova explores the use of flat, vibrant hues and stylized forms characteristic of Byzantine art. By rejecting realism in favour of a more symbolic and emotive style, she imbues her figures with a profound emotional presence, capturing the timeless and sacred essence often associated with religious icons. Through this fusion of past and present, Ristova’s work offers a compelling commentary on identity, representation, and the enduring influence of history on contemporary life.

Currently based in London, Ristova is a graduate of the London College of Contemporary Art (LCCA). Her exhibition history includes a solo show in 2021 titled ‘Equanimity of the Mind,’ where she served as Artist in Residence at LCCA. She has also participated in various group exhibitions, including ‘In a New Light,’ curated by Art City Works, ‘Wounds,’ a collaboration with BURST LDN, and ‘A Sea of White Shirts + Communicating Ideas,’ held at LCCA.

Ristova’s latest solo exhibition, curated by Michal Stolarik, is scheduled to open on September 22, 2024, at the ZOYA Museum in Bratislava.

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