comfortable discomfort | Eleana Kostiani

About

‘comfortable discomfort’ delves into the enchanting yet disquieting realm of Eleana Kostiani's artistry. Holding a deep connection with 20th century female surrealism and contemporary pop imagery, Kostiani's paintings unfold with a disturbing fairy tale quality. Beneath the tender hues, reminiscent of children's books, lie unexpected enigmatic images that unfold like mysterious stories' illustrations, creating a dreamy, flowing atmosphere. Kostiani's unique approach involves a sensitive use of watercolours and crochet, materials traditionally associated with domesticity and childhood. This familiarity takes an unsettling turn upon closer inspection of the subjects. Creepy fingers lurk beneath majestic fountains, furniture sizes undergo mysterious alterations, and house interiors transform into magically threatening spaces. The artwork exists on the border between reality and fantasy, awakening and dreaming, exploring childhood nightmares and psychoanalytic connotations. Eleana Kostiani (b.1999) is a Greek visual artist based in London. Her work explores the delicate balance between reality and fantasy, creating a unique and thought-provoking artistic experience. Kostiani holds a BA in Fine Art: Painting from the University of the Arts London.