Eli van Engelen - Biography

“My practice explores the use of graphite on unprimed canvas to depict realistic figurations of decontextualised found imagery. Drawing inspiration from the vast array of footage that is accessible online, my work explores the themes of image collection and archiving, and how these collections of online content provide almost voyeuristic glimpses into the lives of others. I have a particular fascination with source material from early to mid-20th century pornography, and how the interaction between the enigmatic quality of decontextualized images and the strong sense of narrative implied through the cinematic composition featured in pornography can transform the meaning of an image. My present focus is on injecting an uncanny sense of familiarity between the viewer and the image through intense cropping and replication of cinematic tropes to mirror a surreal and almost dreamlike sensation.

Living and working in Melbourne, I completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting) at the Victorian College of the Arts, and have participated in numerous group exhibitions with Sydney and Fiona Myer Gallery, Green Floor Gallery, Pieces Pieces Pieces, Victorian Artist Society and Bayside Gallery. I was a finalist for the Majilis Travelling Fellowship Award and a recipient of the Stuart Black Memorial Scholarship, and have works represented in various private collections.”

Eli van Engelen | February 2025