About

Living and working in Southeast London, Elena Cruz is an American-born writer and painter who places individual experiences within the context of their surroundings. Using humor and an analytical eye, she employs multiple layers of material and concept to depict humanity as embedded within — as well as having the power to help shape — their homes. In doing so, she explores how the individual molds and reflects their societal makeup and vice versa, with local community care and maintenance as a constant focus.

 

For several years, Cruz worked as an arts journalist to support herself throughout undergrad. In 2021-22, she obtained a master’s degree in international political economy from King’s College London with the intention of becoming a reporter on the business of art. However, she realized she wanted to reiterate what she learned in her studies to help create impactful art instead of writing about the art others make. She had oil painted for herself since she was 16 and wrote regularly since she was 3; all she needed was some courage to turn her passion for the arts into her career, which she launched in London with rapid, welcome reception.

 

Cruz’s work has been shown in Mall Galleries, London; The Gallery, London; Hundred Years Gallery, London, WIA Gallery, Lewes; outhouse gallery, London; All Is Joy Studios, London, and Carnegie Hall, New York. She is represented by Women In Art Gallery, Lewes.