Interview: Elen Alien
Luca Curci talks with Elen Alien, WINNER of the ARTIST OF THE YEAR Competition

Elen Alien was born in Ukraine, currently based in London. Her work delves into the complexities of the human body as a bridge between the organic and the digital. In a world increasingly influenced by technology, she explores how we transform into avatars, questioning our identities in this evolving landscape. Elen finds inspiration in nature, using materials like plant matter to evoke themes of nostalgia, spirituality, and transience.

Her artistic practice is deeply rooted in the idea that everything, be it a person, a plant, or a digital entity, forms part of a larger interconnected network. This perspective is informed by Actor-Network Theory and Object-Oriented Ontology, which allow her to see the relationships between living beings and the environment in new ways. Her art invites viewers to reflect on their own connections to the world around them, emphasising the beauty of transformation and the fluid nature of identity.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Elen Alien – Art is magic. For me, art is a way to digest information and process the world around us. Artists are like super-sensitive organisms; they sense the reality of the present moment and transform it into something tangible. It’s also my way of turning pain into beauty, finding balance, and channelling control over emotions and chaos.

LC – What are your thoughts while you paint? Do you have any habits or rituals while you work?
EA – When I’m painting, my mind is usually blank. I plan everything beforehand—research, sketches, and concepts, but when I’m physically working, I let go of any conscious thoughts. It’s almost like a meditative process. I rarely listen to anything while painting because that silence allows a dialogue to happen between the work and me.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
EA – My art process has always been cyclical. I learn something, then I deliberately forget it, only to rediscover it in a new way. I’ve been creating since I was six, and in the beginning, my work was purely intuitive. Over time, I learned technical rules, mastered composition and colour theory, and developed a logical approach. But as I sought to make my work unique, I started experimenting with unconventional materials, like dry plants, which brought a new vitality to my art. After diving deep into concept development, I lost some of that intuitive freedom. Now, I’m rediscovering it through sketching and constant experimentatio,n creating with the same curiosity I had as a child.

LC – Do you use art to express something in particular? Is it your medium of expression?
EA – Yes, my work reflects my fascination with dark theories in contemporary philosophy. I’m deeply interested in the future of humanity, the mind-body connection, our place in the natural world and digital realms, and the mysteries that can’t be explained by logic.

LC – How is being an artist nowadays?
EA – It’s a struggle. The art world today is incredibly competitive, and being an artist means wearing many hats. Beyond creating, you have to be a researcher, a craftsman, a manager, a content creator, a marketer, a storyteller, a photographer, even a businessperson. Morally, it’s tough because your sense of success is often tied to others’ opinions of your work. Technically, it’s demanding because you have to stay on top of so many different roles.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
EA – Absolutely, I enjoyed it a lot! It’s been a pleasure to collaborate and share my vision.

LC – What is your idea about ITSLIQUID GROUP?
EA – I’m very grateful for the opportunity to collaborate and exhibit my work on an international level. Opportunities like these are invaluable for artists today.