Exploring the connections between nature, human experience and identity, Cypriot visual artist Elena Kouma presented Tracing Through Time at the 4th Larnaca Biennale, a work reflecting on time, memory and the traces we leave behind. In this interview, she shares the inspiration behind her work, reflects on her experience of the Larnaca Biennale and the value of international artistic exchange.
Who is artist Elena Kouma? Share with us a few things about you and your work in general.
I am a visual artist born in Cyprus. For the past ten years I have been living and working both in Norway and Cyprus. My work is inspired by nature, the human experience, and my philosophical studies. Through painting and mixed media, I explore emotion, identity, and the connection between our inner world and the landscapes that surround us.
My artistic language moves between abstraction and figurative elements, allowing space for contemplation and personal interpretation. Through my work, I seek to create visual experiences that invite viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with deeper layers of feeling and thought.
Tell us a few words about your work ”Tracing Through time”, displayed in Larnaca Municipal Gallery throughout the Biennale.
This work reflects the unfolding journey of human existence, constantly shaping and reshaping itself. Each step leaves behind a fleeting trace, linking the past with the future.
Using thread and needle, I merge tradition with the present, creating an artistic dialogue of continuity and transformation. Stitching, a historically rich practice, symbolizes how human experience is delicately woven, fragile yet enduring, ever-changing yet rooted in the past.
The linear patterns, akin to flowing water, emphasize impermanence. Water’s fluid, shifting nature mirrors life’s transient course, always in motion, never static. Through this visual language, I explore existence as a continuous state of flux.
Ultimately, this work contemplates time, memory, and impermanence, highlighting the beauty in fleeting moments and the lasting impact of our traces.
What was your overall impression of the Larnaca Biennale?
My impression of the Larnaka Biennale 2025 was very positive. It was very well organized and thoughtfully curated, creating a strong and inspiring artistic environment. I was grateful for the opportunity to meet many artists from around the world, and to experience works from diverse cultural and artistic backgrounds. It was truly enriching to exchange ideas and perspectives within such an international community.
A message you would like to send to artists that will apply in the future for participation in the Larnaca Biennale.
I would strongly encourage artists to apply and be part of this artistic platform. It is a great opportunity to present your work in an international context and forum, connect with artists from different parts of the world, and engage in valuable creative dialogue. Participating in the Larnaca Biennale is both inspiring and rewarding, and I am grateful to have had this experience.