Elena Zaltron

My artistic research focuses on material abstraction. I build surfaces through layers of stucco, plaster, acrylic and charcoal, using engraved marks and textures to create a dialogue between matter, light and gesture. My work explores the expressive potential of the surface, where material becomes a space for emotional and visual experience. My practice is influenced by the legacy of Spatialism and Abstract Expressionism, while remaining rooted in a contemporary and personal exploration of matter and space.

I graduated in 2019 from the Artistic High School “B. Boscardin”, specializing in Figurative Arts, where I had the opportunity to explore both painting and sculpture.
Later, I decided not to continue with academic studies in Fine Arts, choosing instead to pursue a university degree in Cultural Tourism Planning and Management, while never abandoning my passion for art. I continued experimenting with drawing, particularly creating pencil caricatures on paper.
Two exhibitions have been fundamental to my artistic growth: Tempo, Spazio e Luce by Saverio Rampin (2022) and L'Avventura Spazialista by Bruno De Toffoli (2025). These experiences helped me discover my attraction to the concept of space and to the ability of matter to enhance light, moving beyond the limits of a purely two-dimensional experience.
For my works, I use different techniques: I mainly work with acrylics and prepare the surface with layers of plaster, giving the artwork a three-dimensional quality.
Alongside colour, I also use charcoal and coloured chalks. I do not limit myself to brushes, but also work with spatulas and sandpaper; at times, I use the grattage technique, engraving the surface to create bold marks and layers that enhance the expressive power of the co...