HopefullyArt is thrilled to present Elsa Åkesson’s first solo show in Madrid. From January 18th to January 26th, the exhibition will invite the viewer to dive into the subtle movements of the female body. With roots deeply connected to Madagascar and Sweden, Elsa’s creations pay a profound tribute to the strength and magnetism found in the nuanced gestures and close-up depictions of the feminine form.

Each piece within this collection reflects a deep exploration of identity and strength, a testament to Elsa’s unique artistic vision. Through her distinctive lens, she breathes life into these themes, encouraging audiences to engage with the cultural resonances that shape her work. 

“By using delicate brushstrokes and neutral flesh colors, I am creating an internal wholesome feeling that almost becomes therapeutic to the viewer. I highlight the importance of gratitude in its minimal form and eliminate any distractions from that purest state.

The figures find themselves in almost a meditative state of mind, forming gentle movements, exploring the influence of giving affection and loyalty, when entering a space of trust. As a result, I am giving the audience the opportunity to create their own love story with no boundaries to whom or what brings one warmth, peace and serenity.”

Elsa Åkesson

On Saturday, January 20th, HopefullyArt will host a special brunch as the climax of the event. This unique occasion will present a dynamic artist panel, raising an engaging conversation between a group of exceptional artists: Elsa, Molly Bounds, Marina Dorgan, Violeta Maya and Adelisa Selimbašić.

This brunch will serve as a platform for rich dialogue, bringing together artists who share common threads— an exploration of femininity, a call for reconsidering conventional expectations in gender representation, a profound respect for the essence of womanhood, and a reflective introspection of frozen figures. Each artist, through their distinct lens, contributes to the hidden representations of the female figure, delicately desexualizing specific parts and standing in an almost political stance in their exquisite masterpieces.

The conversation is set to reveal the intricacies of their exploration of femininity and the inspiration drawn from the body.

Elsa Åkesson’s art is a vibrant celebration of her homeland, Madagascar, and a testament to her unique perspective on life. Her primary inspiration lies in the joy she finds in painting and portraying the children of Madagascar.

Madagascar stands as one of Elsa’s greatest influences, but her identity as a woman also plays a significant role in shaping her artistic expression. She draws inspiration from exploring the female form, with each piece serving as a personal reflection. Even when depicting the children of Madagascar, Elsa weaves elements that represent her own identity, such as the colors of Sweden, into her paintings. Her meticulous and orderly nature manifests in the neatness and precision present in her artwork.

As a self-taught artist, Elsa’s journey is defined by a passion for experimenting with colors and techniques. Growing up surrounded by art due to her father’s role as an art collector, she found early encouragement from her parents and those around her.

Elsa’s impressive artistic journey is a testament to the power of positive encouragement, cultural pride, and a deep connection to one’s roots. Through her art, she captures the beauty of Madagascar and the joy of its people, which deserves recognition on the global stage.

This time, Elsa has worked on a never-seen-before extended series of closed-up depiction of women bodies. Her use of approach and details in depicting the nude body preserves the relevance and beauty of the Madagascar women who have always influenced her, but also introduces a new perspective of her technique, evolution and experimentation. Elsa here brings these figures into conversation with a different palette from her previous bright artworks. These combinations demonstrate the influence of more plain colors from her Swedish roots, encompassing both white and black skin tones, and the beauty of the movement in every side of a female body. This appreciation extends to women of all ages, skin tones and body parts.