Elsiena is a Dutch visual artist based in Valencia, Spain. She works with sculpture, assemblage, collage and material-based image making.
Using materials such as wood, rope, wool, steel strapping, paper, fabric, cement and found objects, she creates tactile works in both 2D and 3D. Visible construction, handwork and physical tension play an important role throughout her practice.
Elsiena grew up in a rural area in the north of the Netherlands in a traditional farming environment, an influence that is still visible in her work through materials, craftsmanship and physical construction.
At the age of 42 she left the Netherlands and moved to Spain, where she began rebuilding both her life and artistic practice from the ground up. Her work is rooted in experimentation, reduction and the search for essence through material and form.
Over the years, her practice evolved from minimal and material-focused works towards sculptural forms such as totems, nests, pods and protective constructions.
Her newer sculptures resemble objects that feel both protective and ceremonial, connected to ideas of sovereignty and inner strength. The pods reflect potential and new beginnings. Together, these works circle around themes such as autonomy, protection and rebuilding life on her own terms.
Elsiena has exhibited internationally in the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Taiwan and North Macedonia.
