Elena Disabato
Chicago, IL United States ![]()
I am a painter and mixed media artist living in the Logan Square neighborhood of my home town, Chicago. Following college at Syracuse University (BFA ’00) with a semester in Florence, Italy studying Renaissance painting, I lived in Brooklyn’s Wil... More
Artist Statement:
I am a painter and mixed media artist living in the Logan Square neighborhood of my home town, Chicago. Following college at Syracuse University (BFA ’00) with a semester in Florence, Italy studying Renaissance painting, I lived in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood, throwing the bi-monthly “Art & Science” events at Galapagos Art Space until 2006 when I returned to Chicago. Three of my pieces were shown in 2007 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago at the Sustainable Architecture Chicago exhibit in tandem with Bruce Mao's Massive Change exhibit.
My style could be described as both mid-century modern-meets-psychedelic abstraction, and surrealist figurative. I have created mostly abstract work since 2019, but also enjoy making cityscapes, figurative works, and pet portraits. In abstraction I break down uncommon objects into both linear and amorphous forms – sometimes combined in the same composition. Figurative work is usually intertwined with an object or animal that evokes an unsettled feeling within sometimes traditional depictions of the human figure.
Oil on canvas or board and watercolor on paper or illustration board are my most common methods for creating art. Integrating metallics is my signature design move, bringing sheen and unexpected depth to my work. An often-used overlay technique incorporates Swarovski crystal rhinestones as a decorative yet integral finish. I am also adept at drawing cityscapes, portraits, and abstract work in charcoal, conte, pastel, China marker, ink, colored pencils, and graphite.
My style is bold and direct, depicting architecture, abstractions and figures that are aesthetically beautiful with an edge. Whether a piece is representational of a specific subject or demonstrates an abstracted concept, my goal for creating art is twofold:
1. Allow each recipient and viewer to feel connected with and understood, regardless of subject matter or technique.
2. Put something original into the world that answers subconscious questions, leaving a lasting conscious impression of beauty and satisfaction.
When I accept commissions, I make a point to learn what sparks that benefactor to feel like they are being true to themselves. Focusing on their story, personal style and goals for the future brings a deeper understanding and connection to each work.
As an active participant in Chicago’s underground electronic music scene, I want to bring the talents of visual artists embedded in that community to light and find ways to merge both music and art into inclusive experiences.
My style could be described as both mid-century modern-meets-psychedelic abstraction, and surrealist figurative. I have created mostly abstract work since 2019, but also enjoy making cityscapes, figurative works, and pet portraits. In abstraction I break down uncommon objects into both linear and amorphous forms – sometimes combined in the same composition. Figurative work is usually intertwined with an object or animal that evokes an unsettled feeling within sometimes traditional depictions of the human figure.
Oil on canvas or board and watercolor on paper or illustration board are my most common methods for creating art. Integrating metallics is my signature design move, bringing sheen and unexpected depth to my work. An often-used overlay technique incorporates Swarovski crystal rhinestones as a decorative yet integral finish. I am also adept at drawing cityscapes, portraits, and abstract work in charcoal, conte, pastel, China marker, ink, colored pencils, and graphite.
My style is bold and direct, depicting architecture, abstractions and figures that are aesthetically beautiful with an edge. Whether a piece is representational of a specific subject or demonstrates an abstracted concept, my goal for creating art is twofold:
1. Allow each recipient and viewer to feel connected with and understood, regardless of subject matter or technique.
2. Put something original into the world that answers subconscious questions, leaving a lasting conscious impression of beauty and satisfaction.
When I accept commissions, I make a point to learn what sparks that benefactor to feel like they are being true to themselves. Focusing on their story, personal style and goals for the future brings a deeper understanding and connection to each work.
As an active participant in Chicago’s underground electronic music scene, I want to bring the talents of visual artists embedded in that community to light and find ways to merge both music and art into inclusive experiences.
Education:
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
-Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration, English minor (2000)
-DIPA Program, Firenze, Italia (1999)
LEED Green Associate (since 2014)
-Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration, English minor (2000)
-DIPA Program, Firenze, Italia (1999)
LEED Green Associate (since 2014)
Awards & Distinctions:
-Ongoing - PRIVATE MUSEUM - Ordino (Andorra)
NFTs minted on Coinbase blockchain
-10th in Painting out of 497 international applicants. 6th Annual "Patterns" online competition, Light Space + Time Gallery. October 2022.
https://bit.ly/40iPV3e
-Certificate of Excellence, Circle Foundation for the Arts - For participation and distinction of artwork that displays excellence in the 6th international CFA Artist of the Month competition held on the Circle Arts online platform; June 2022.
-7th place overall and 4th place in Painting/Other category, 5th Annual "Patterns" online competition, Light Space + Time Gallery (500+ applicants). June 2021.
https://bit.ly/3kx61EX
NFTs minted on Coinbase blockchain
-10th in Painting out of 497 international applicants. 6th Annual "Patterns" online competition, Light Space + Time Gallery. October 2022.
https://bit.ly/40iPV3e
-Certificate of Excellence, Circle Foundation for the Arts - For participation and distinction of artwork that displays excellence in the 6th international CFA Artist of the Month competition held on the Circle Arts online platform; June 2022.
-7th place overall and 4th place in Painting/Other category, 5th Annual "Patterns" online competition, Light Space + Time Gallery (500+ applicants). June 2021.
https://bit.ly/3kx61EX
Exhibitions:
EXHIBITS
2023 - SAINT LUCIA’S - Chicago, IL (US)
1st solo art exhibit, 6 week run
-Watercolor and oil originals + prints
2022 - LIGHT SPACE + TIME GALLERY - Santa Fe, NM (US)
Online art competition, 6th Annual Patterns exhibit
10th in Painting out of497 international applicants
-”Chroma VI - Teardrop”
2022 - M.A.D.S. ART GALLERY - Milan (IT) + Fuerteventura (CI)
”ORRIZONTI TRASVERSALI” digital group show, in-person and the Metaverse
-“Several Circles - Kandinsky”
2022 - HAIRPIN ARTS CENTER - Chicago, IL (US)
”Back to the Beginning: A Retro-ish-Spective” group gallery show
-Created new series of paintings inspired by the artists who first inspired me.
Full catalog
2021 - RED BLUFF ART GALLERY - Red Bluff, CA (US)
Cats + Dogs online group show
-”Basil”
2021 - FULTON STREET COLLECTIVE - Chicago, IL (US)
ArtWalls show @ Workbox - Fulton Market location, Chicago, IL (F/W 2021-22)
-”Warm Composition”
2021 - HAIRPIN ARTS CENTER - Chicago, IL (US)
Group gallery show
Full catalog
2021 - FULTON STREET COLLECTIVE - Chicago, IL (US)
ArtWalls show @ Workbox - 420 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL (S/S 2021)
-”Warm Composition”
2021 - LIGHT SPACE + TIME GALLERY - Santa Fe, NM (US)
Online art competition, 5th Annual Patterns exhibit
7th overall / 4th in Painting out of 532 international applicants
-”Gem II”
2021 - FULTON STREET COLLECTIVE - Chicago, IL (US)
Group gallery show, Abstraction
-”Into the Frayed”
2021 - LAS LAGUNA ART GALLERY - Laguna Beach, CA (US)
Group online gallery show, Painterly
-”Into the Frayed”
2021 - SIDE STREET STUDIO ARTS - Elgin, IL (US)
Group juried gallery show for 8th anniversary exhibit, You Are Not the Boss of my Art
-”Into the Frayed on display”
2019 - FLATSstudio BUSH TEMPLE - Chicago, IL (US)
Abstract-themed gallery night
-5 original pieces created for exhibition
-BIO: http://flatsstudio.flatslife.com/item/elena-disabato/
2007 - MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART CHICAGO - Chicago, IL (US)
Sustainable Architecture in Chicago // Massive Change
Facilitated participation with Farr Associates
-2 original pieces exhibited - Watercolor, mixed media
-Designed, managed team and constructed 3D exploded green roof
NEW YORK, NY / US
2001-2006 - Art + Science, GALAPAGOS ART SPACE (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Founding member of collective; hosted bi-monthly art and music events
Curated themed shows with 10+ rotating resident and guest artists
-Exhibited 8 times
2005 - BAR @ BLEECKER/SULLIVAN (West Village, Manhattan)
Solo show
-8 pieces exhibited
2000 - GALLERY @ BROADWAY/GRAND (SoHo, Manhattan)
Group show (3 artists)
Opportunity won via call for artists in Art in America magazine
-6 pieces exhibited
FLORENCE, TUSCANY / IT
1999 - DIPA PROGRAM STUDIOS
End of year group show (10 artists)
-2 pieces exhibited - Oil on unstretched canvas
SYRACUSE, NY / US
2000 - SPARK ART SPACE
Group show (5 artists)
Theme of technology obsolescence
-2 drawings exhibited
1997-2000 - SHAFFER ART GALLERY
Annual student/faculty exhibition (20 artists)
-2 pieces exhibited each year
MARKETS/POP-UPS
2023
-GREEN MACHINE
Aathee live performance + music video shoot
-Large oil originals + all prints displayed
2022
-DREAM MARKET CHICAGO
December show, Hotel Intercontinental
-Live painting of ‘Chroma VIII - Monstera’ + all prints displayed
-THE MARTIN ART SPACE
November The Martin Marketplace
-All prints displayed
-WORMHOLE 2
Premiere: July Makers Market
-All prints displayed
2021
-FULTON STREET COLLECTIVE
August Artists Market
-6 paintings + 4 prints displayed
-MATILDA + BABY ATLAS
Solo pop-up show for monthly music series, Activate
-4 paintings + 4 prints displayed
2020
-MATILDA + BABY ATLAS
Solo pop-up show for premiere of monthly music series, Compulsion
-5 pieces displayed, 1 created for pop-up
2023 - SAINT LUCIA’S - Chicago, IL (US)
1st solo art exhibit, 6 week run
-Watercolor and oil originals + prints
2022 - LIGHT SPACE + TIME GALLERY - Santa Fe, NM (US)
Online art competition, 6th Annual Patterns exhibit
10th in Painting out of497 international applicants
-”Chroma VI - Teardrop”
2022 - M.A.D.S. ART GALLERY - Milan (IT) + Fuerteventura (CI)
”ORRIZONTI TRASVERSALI” digital group show, in-person and the Metaverse
-“Several Circles - Kandinsky”
2022 - HAIRPIN ARTS CENTER - Chicago, IL (US)
”Back to the Beginning: A Retro-ish-Spective” group gallery show
-Created new series of paintings inspired by the artists who first inspired me.
Full catalog
2021 - RED BLUFF ART GALLERY - Red Bluff, CA (US)
Cats + Dogs online group show
-”Basil”
2021 - FULTON STREET COLLECTIVE - Chicago, IL (US)
ArtWalls show @ Workbox - Fulton Market location, Chicago, IL (F/W 2021-22)
-”Warm Composition”
2021 - HAIRPIN ARTS CENTER - Chicago, IL (US)
Group gallery show
Full catalog
2021 - FULTON STREET COLLECTIVE - Chicago, IL (US)
ArtWalls show @ Workbox - 420 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL (S/S 2021)
-”Warm Composition”
2021 - LIGHT SPACE + TIME GALLERY - Santa Fe, NM (US)
Online art competition, 5th Annual Patterns exhibit
7th overall / 4th in Painting out of 532 international applicants
-”Gem II”
2021 - FULTON STREET COLLECTIVE - Chicago, IL (US)
Group gallery show, Abstraction
-”Into the Frayed”
2021 - LAS LAGUNA ART GALLERY - Laguna Beach, CA (US)
Group online gallery show, Painterly
-”Into the Frayed”
2021 - SIDE STREET STUDIO ARTS - Elgin, IL (US)
Group juried gallery show for 8th anniversary exhibit, You Are Not the Boss of my Art
-”Into the Frayed on display”
2019 - FLATSstudio BUSH TEMPLE - Chicago, IL (US)
Abstract-themed gallery night
-5 original pieces created for exhibition
-BIO: http://flatsstudio.flatslife.com/item/elena-disabato/
2007 - MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART CHICAGO - Chicago, IL (US)
Sustainable Architecture in Chicago // Massive Change
Facilitated participation with Farr Associates
-2 original pieces exhibited - Watercolor, mixed media
-Designed, managed team and constructed 3D exploded green roof
NEW YORK, NY / US
2001-2006 - Art + Science, GALAPAGOS ART SPACE (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Founding member of collective; hosted bi-monthly art and music events
Curated themed shows with 10+ rotating resident and guest artists
-Exhibited 8 times
2005 - BAR @ BLEECKER/SULLIVAN (West Village, Manhattan)
Solo show
-8 pieces exhibited
2000 - GALLERY @ BROADWAY/GRAND (SoHo, Manhattan)
Group show (3 artists)
Opportunity won via call for artists in Art in America magazine
-6 pieces exhibited
FLORENCE, TUSCANY / IT
1999 - DIPA PROGRAM STUDIOS
End of year group show (10 artists)
-2 pieces exhibited - Oil on unstretched canvas
SYRACUSE, NY / US
2000 - SPARK ART SPACE
Group show (5 artists)
Theme of technology obsolescence
-2 drawings exhibited
1997-2000 - SHAFFER ART GALLERY
Annual student/faculty exhibition (20 artists)
-2 pieces exhibited each year
MARKETS/POP-UPS
2023
-GREEN MACHINE
Aathee live performance + music video shoot
-Large oil originals + all prints displayed
2022
-DREAM MARKET CHICAGO
December show, Hotel Intercontinental
-Live painting of ‘Chroma VIII - Monstera’ + all prints displayed
-THE MARTIN ART SPACE
November The Martin Marketplace
-All prints displayed
-WORMHOLE 2
Premiere: July Makers Market
-All prints displayed
2021
-FULTON STREET COLLECTIVE
August Artists Market
-6 paintings + 4 prints displayed
-MATILDA + BABY ATLAS
Solo pop-up show for monthly music series, Activate
-4 paintings + 4 prints displayed
2020
-MATILDA + BABY ATLAS
Solo pop-up show for premiere of monthly music series, Compulsion
-5 pieces displayed, 1 created for pop-up
Artistic Influences:
Kandinsky, Miro, Yayoi Kusama and Koloman Moser influence my abstract work; Renaissance paintings, symmetry and verticality inform my compositions.
Artist Tags:
abstract, chicago, oil painting, mixed media, metallic, watercolor
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