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Elli Lestas
Elli Lestas London born is a drawing and photography artist currently based in Cyprus . Educated with an MA in Fine Art from Goldsmiths, London, and a BA in Textile Design from Camberwell College London, her practice integrates meticulous observation with diverse media. Elli explores the intricate details and life forms of natural plants, insects, and the broader environment. Photographic images and physical drawings. Elli's work often delves into the hidden complexities of flora and fauna, capturing their inherent essence through detailed mark-making and composition. Key exhibitions include the 2023 solo show 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' at Blue Iris Gallery, Cyprus, and participation in 'MetaFlora' (2025) and 'Salon Des Estrangers' ,Venice , Italy (2025). Elli Lestas work is held in the State Art Collection of Cyprus and the Galway Arts Centre in Drawing Box collection. Currently, the artist focuses on deepening their exploration of nature, distilling the essence of the natural world into tangible artistic forms.
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About the artist
Elli Lestas
About
Elli Lestas London born is a drawing and photography artist currently based in Cyprus . Educated with an MA in Fine Art from Goldsmiths, London, and a BA in Textile Design from Camberwell College London, her practice integrates meticulous observation with diverse media. Elli explores the intricate details and life forms of natural plants, insects, and the broader environment. Photographic images and physical drawings. Elli's work often delves into the hidden complexities of flora and fauna, capturing their inherent essence through detailed mark-making and composition. Key exhibitions include the 2023 solo show 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' at Blue Iris Gallery, Cyprus, and participation in 'MetaFlora' (2025) and 'Salon Des Estrangers' ,Venice , Italy (2025). Elli Lestas work is held in the State Art Collection of Cyprus and the Galway Arts Centre in Drawing Box collection. Currently, the artist focuses on deepening their exploration of nature, distilling the essence of the natural world into tangible artistic forms.
Statement
All areas of the work revolve around nature as the key theme. Drawing, photography and sculptural objects , using natural materials collected from around the countryside of Cyprus and Uk. The drawings are not just an accurate rendering of dried and decaying plants but intuitive works of art that capture the life force or essence of their former life. The work is a quiet collaboration with nature with the purpose of transfering the metaphysical force of a natural being onto the physical dimension of a drawing
Education
- 1991MA Fine art , Goldsmith's, London
- BA Textile Design , Camberwell College , London
Exhibitions
Solo
- 2023All Things Bright and Beautiful.., Blue Iris Gallery, Paphos, Cyprus
Group
- 2025Metaflora The secret life of plants Elli Lesta /André Maleval, Room for Art , Tala, cyprus
- 2025Capturing Nature , Dabas Notveršana, LATVIA
- 2024Salon Des Estrangers, Dorsoduro, Venice, Italy
- 2024Inside Out , Leitrim Scultpture Centre, Manorhamilton, Ireland
- 2020 Atlaticus Mercuria, The Maker's Space , Paphos , Cyprus
- 2017Lanzarote Arts Festival , The LacunaStudios, Spain
- 2019Minicule Venice , Venice Bienale , Venice , Italy
- 2019Miniscule 2 , Cross Lane Projects, Cumbria, UK
- 2018 ART DOT EARTH , Dartington Hall , Devon , UK
Recognition
Press & publications
- 2026Studio shot, IG Women in Art
- 2026Artist Spotlight , IG Artvoxldn
- 2021Elli Lestas interview, Culturescope
- 2021Nature as Art , Cyprus Mail
- 2025The Hidden Life of Plants, Cyprus Mail
Collections holding work
- State collection of Republic of Cyprus , Nicosia, Cyprus
- Charles Smedley Collection Mirage , Armou Paphos, Cyprus