Elena Santoni presents: “Colors”

This exhibition presents a series of abstract paintings by Elena Santoni that explore the emotional power of color, composition, and intuitive process. The exhibition brings together works that focus on the relationship between color and feeling, inviting viewers to experience the paintings through emotion rather than analysis.

Santoni begins each piece by referencing a model, image, or small detail from another work, which she first prints in black and white. From there, she develops a carefully selected color palette that establishes the mood, tone, and atmosphere of each composition. Her work often uses tones such as soft gray, deep navy blue, muted teal, and dusty purple, inspired in part by the shifting colors of the sun setting. These colors create a calm and reflective atmosphere while guiding the emotional feeling of the work.

Santoni’s process is guided by instinct and intuition. Through layered applications tempera on paper, she builds compositions that balance freedom and structure. Color and light play an important role, creating subtle variations that shift as the viewer moves through the space. These layered surfaces allow emotion to emerge gradually, encouraging viewers to respond through personal feeling and interpretation.

The design of the exhibition reinforces the sensory and intuitive nature of Santoni’s work. Warm, diffused lighting highlights the texture of the paper and allows the lighter tones of the compositions to glow gently within the gallery space. This environment encourages visitors to slow down and engage with the paintings on an emotional level. Instead of giving one specific meaning, the exhibition encourages open interpretation so each viewer can connect with the colors and compositions in their own way.