Milena Makani

Milena Makani (b. 1984 in Sofia, Bulgaria) is a German contemporary painter based in London, UK. Marked by gestural and lyrical abstraction, Makani’s deeply introspective paintings depict colourful, abstract anatomic and psychological inner landscapes characterised by layered textures, fluid forms and complex gradients, inviting viewers into a contemplative space where feeling and exploration take precedence over form.

Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and permanent pain, Makani’s work gives a distinct visual language to the complexities of the human condition and the molecules and emotions that connect us all. Rooted in curiosity and guided by an intuitive connection to her inner world, she investigates the colourful facets of her lived experience and themes of resilience, energy, serenity, fragility, stoicism and joy.

Utilising the unique attributes of various types of acrylics, watercolours and inks and their interactive properties on rare mineral stone sheets, Makani’s painting practice blends control and organic process in a striking balance between intention, spontaneity and manipulation.

Makani’s work has been exhibited in the United Kingdom, Bulgaria and Iceland and her paintings are featured in international publicatio...

Recent exhibitions and awards:

2026, The Abstract Condition, Firepit Gallery, London, United Kingdom (group exhibition)

2026, Vanishing Place, Gallery North, Hailsham, United Kingdom (group exhibition)

2026, Extended Longlist: ‘L4/L5’, ‘Where To?’, Jackson’s Art Prize

2026, UTBS 2026, Cupola Gallery, Sheffield, United Kingdom (group exhibition)

2025, Shortlisted Artist, VAA500 International, Visual Artists Association

2025, Left, Right, and Everything In Between, Fishing Quarter Gallery, Brighton, United Kingdom (group exhibition)

2025, OpenSpaces 2025, Sendero, London, United Kingdom (solo exhibition)

2025, Preferred Member Award, Visual Artists Association

2025, Open 2025, Atelier Beside The Sea, Brighton, United Kingdom (group exhibition)

2025, Echoes of Ice, Skaftafell National Park, Iceland (group exhibition)

2025, Special Merit Award, Summer 5 for 10, Light, Space & Time Gallery, virtual (group exhibition)

2025, Art as a Response to Mental Health, Doncaster Art Fair, virtual (group exhibition)

2025, Pieces of Me, Artworks East Gallery, London, United Kingdom (group exhibition)

2025, experiment., Gallery Informal, virtual (group exhibition)

2025, Energy, SURYA Starata Kotva, Byala, Bulgaria (solo exhibition)...