Elena Papanikolakis explores representations and abstractions of time, place and narrative, by engaging with a variety of found material and material of personal and cultural significance. Her interests lie in exploring and challenging meaning, and her work often investigates narrative structures and the presentation and function of information. She engages with the implications of the mediums she uses, and her practice spans painting, collage, text, photography and drawing.
Elena has been the recipient of awards and grants including The Ursula Hoff Institute Award as part of the National Works on Paper Prize (2018); The Eva Breuer Travelling Art Scholarship and the Art Gallery of New South Wales Paris Studio (2016); and the NSW Artist’s Grant (2015).
Elena has undertaken numerous residencies including the Cité Internationale des Arts (Paris), Parramatta Artist Studios and Megalo Print Studio.
Recent exhibitions include: Hold tight to your silence and wait at ReadingRoom, Melbourne; New Sacred at Mosman Art Gallery; Parting Words at Verge Gallery; Primavera 2017: Young Australian Artists at the Museum of Contemporary Art; Parramatta Artists Studios at Artspace; TRIPS at Firstdraft; and Young Moderns at Penrith Regional Gallery.