Elwes is an artist deeply fascinated by human creativity, and his work delves into the intimate spaces where this creativity takes shape—artists’ studios.
His exhibition is a result of extensive research and vivid imagination, bringing to life the studios of iconic figures such as Pablo Picasso, Yayoi Kusama, Henri Matisse, Damien Hirst, Frida Kahlo, and many others.
In Studio Visit, Elwes presents a remarkable depiction of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s studio on Crosby Street. This particular piece is steeped in personal history, as Elwes recounts a visit to the very same space, now transformed into a family home.
Upon entering, he was struck by the sight of a young girl painting in the exact corner where Basquiat once worked, a poignant moment that adds a layer of intimacy to the artwork.
A similar process unfolds in Elwes’ depiction of Frida Kahlo’s studio at the Casa Azul. Although the room is now empty, Elwes meticulously reimagines the space, drawing from his own sketches and existing photographs.
He brings to life the carved Mexican statues gifted to Kahlo by Diego Rivera, and the iconic painting The Two Fridas (1939), which hangs behind her easel. Elwes’ work in this series is a form of recovery, recreating spaces that no longer exist in their original form.
The exhibition also includes a significant portrayal of Yayoi Kusama’s New York studio, a space from her 20s that has largely been lost to time.
His attention to detail and commitment to capturing the essence of these creative spaces allow Studio Visit to offer a glimpse into the often-overlooked environments where artistic genius flourished.
Studio Visit not only highlights the importance of human creativity but also provides an alternative narrative to the destruction we often see in the news.
Elwes’ work serves as a reminder of our shared capacity to create, offering a deep connection to the mental and imaginative worlds of some of history’s most iconic artists.
