Elisa Markes-Young

In her work Elisa uses mostly natural fibres, textiles, techniques and skills that are - at least in cultures of European origins - traditionally attributed to the female field of experience. The aim is to recreate not so much figurative works but rather the mood.

Many marginalised individuals and groups see assimilation as the key to acceptance. But the differences might be lost as a consequence of integration. The basic need to belong and fit in competes with this fear and with the need to preserve the uniqueness... read more

 

Strange Quiet of Things Misplaced #14

The Strange Quiet of Things Misplaced #14
Pencil, pastel, wool, cotton and silk on Belgian linen, approx. 1100mm x 1100mm.
City of Wanneroo Art Collection.

The Strange Quiet of Things Misplaced

Elisa Markes-Young, 2007-11

The Strange Quiet of Things Misplaced is the next step in Elisa Markes-Young's ongoing enquiry into identity. It deals with the unreliability of our recollections.

Memory is a mystery. We imagine it as being some sort of a cupboard where things are stored and pulled out when needed. But sometimes things are misplaced and it's only then, when our memory failed us that we brood over its nature... read more

 

Transitions

Elisa Markes-Young, Gail Leidich & Christopher Young, 2007

The artists understand themselves as being in the state of constant change resulting from multiple migrations and the search for identity, both personal and artistic.

Transitions was an exhibition of new work by Elisa, Chris & Gail Leidich that was held at Kurb Gallery... read more

What I Am

Elisa Markes-Young &
Christopher Young, 2006

As a tribal species humans define themselves through memberships to groups and comparisons to others. We need to join a group. We feel comfortable when we fit in.

What I Am was an exhibition of Elisa and Chris' work held at the Breadbox Gallery... read more

 

Beginnings, Series II

Elisa Markes-Young, 2005

The works explore themes of germination and growth, fragility and decay. Elisa says that all her artworks are as much about subject matter as they are about visual and emotional experiences ... read more

Beginnings, Series I

Elisa Markes-Young, 2005

The 'Beginnings' series were inspired by the processes and transformations we observe during a lifetime of a plant, especially the process of setting seed and spreading. It's the beauty of the seed capsules, the various shapes, the ways in which they break when ripe to disperse the seeds ... read more

 

The Slow Infinity of Dreaming

Elisa Markes-Young, 2004

The title relates to the feeling of timelessness and the tranquillity of the Australian landscape. It describes the dreaminess Elisa feels, when faced with the vastness, the heat and quiet, the age of the place and all its secrets that she's sure are there ... read more

 

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Elisa likes to refine something until she feels it's saying what she wants to say, as economically and as direct as possible.  She says that she can relate to the famous Robert Louis Stevenson quote: 'To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive and the true success is in labour.'

Biography

Elisa Markes-Young was born on New Year's Eve 1964 in Gorlice, Poland. In 1981 she moved to Germany with her family. She then moved to Perth with her photographer husband in early 2002 where they have exhibited on a regular basis... read more