Elena Sohmen (b. 1999) is a Spanish and German artist. She finished her studies in Fine Arts at Universidad Complutenses in Madrid. She is currently studying her International Curatorial Studies at Node Center and Photography at the Ostkreuzschule in Berlin. Apart from creating her own artwork she is also a member of an artistic collective, called 666studio, with whom she has curated various exhibitions.
Elena’s work is versatile, it could be said that she has touched the vast majority of artistic expressions. She started with painting, then focused on photography/video and now she is focusing her work on performance/dance. Although there is a variety of techniques in her repertoire (including pottery) her line of work is clear.
Her main focus is the conversion of trivial elements into icons. Always from a critical point of view. An example is “Reconquista del poder”(Reconquest of power). It’s a series of works taking the figure of the horse (symbol of power) as a common denominator. With this figure she reflects a critique of hegemonic power structures and patriarchal power. Her works exercise a strong criticism of patriarchy and ableism. She formed herself on inclusive dance. Elena always mixes the monumental and iconic with a critical and personal vision. She undresses her personal life and uses it to make a statement. Her works are a combination between iconicity and private life.
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