About Elisa

Elisa Valenti is a self-taught contemporary figurative painter whose works delight in the beauty and vigor of real, luscious bodies. 

In the New York artist's vibrant tapestry of artistic expression, the corporeal form emerges as a focal point of celebration and defiance. Through a striking interplay of color and contour, Valenti boldly confronts societal norms, presenting nude and semi-nude figures that exude an unmistakable sense of self-assurance. Her canvases, often devoid of facial features, serve as a canvas upon which viewers can project their own identities, fostering a profound sense of connection and inclusivity within her art.

With each brushstroke, Valenti transcends the boundaries of conventional beauty, inviting audiences to engage in a dialogue on body positivity and self-acceptance. Beyond mere aesthetics, her work resonates with a palpable authenticity, championing the inherent beauty found in every curve and contour. Through the absence of facial characteristics, Valenti's art becomes a mirror, reflecting not only her own journey of self-discovery but also the universal quest for acceptance and empowerment within one's own skin. In this narrative of defiance and liberation, she emerges as a visionary provocateur, challenging viewers to embrace the inherent beauty of their own humanity.

Based in Queens, New York, Valenti is a daughter of immigrants. She studied fine arts and art history at the High School of Art and Design. She holds a Doctorate of Pharmacy from St. John’s University.

(b. 1982, New York, US) lives and works in New York. She graduated with a Pharm.D. from St. John’s University in 2006, and is widely regarded as one of New York’s leading emerging, self-taught figurative painters.

The 42 year-old artist has had work exhibited at The Other Art Fair (2019/21/23), Superfine (2019) as well as group exhibitions with Pop-Up Home (LA) (2020-22), PxP Contemporary, (2020), Untitled Gallery (2019), Showfields (2020), Curare (DE) (2021) and On Center Gallery. (2019) Valenti debuted a solo exhibition at Established Gallery titled “Radical Worthiness.” And most recently, had her work represented with UNREPD Gallery in Los Angeles. In 2022, Valenti was part of a two woman show debuting in Australia for the first time with Art2Muse Gallery in Sydney. Her work has been showcased in publications the likes of Glamour, Create, Pikchur, and Studio Visit Magazines.

Her latest work, “The Faded Line Between Dream and Reality” released March 2023. And her paintings debut for the third time in Germany, in Hamburg as part of "Treasure Island” a group show with Helium Cowboy Gallery, March 2023. Valenti has an upcoming group show entitled The Passion Project with The Art Center Highland Park in Chicago though June 2023 and will also be showing in Brooklyn with The Other Art Fair May, 2023. Valenti has is set to present her work in a solo show in France in 2024.

Her works have been collected extensively by collectors worldwide.