Episode 86: Elisa Valenti: “Radical Worthiness” and the Female Figure

Journey with me through the evocative compositions of “lush” female nudes by the contemporary, figurative painter Elisa Valenti. Elisa also joins me for a conversation, a deeper exploration of her work and artistic practice. We talk body image, her personal connections with the prehistoric figure Venus of Willendorf and more!

“Return to Nature,” 2019, acrylic on canvas

Elisa renegotiates the female figure in the iconic painting “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon,” by cubist painter Picasso. Her composition (“Modern Demoiselles”) of nude figures and “direct gaze” exudes confidence and strength.


Image Credits: Elisa Valenti Studio, Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), Khan Academy

Resources for this podcast episode include Elisa Valenti Studio, Saatchi Gallery, Art Jumble and Create magazines and the Henri Matisse Foundation. Visit Elisa at elisavalentistudio.com or on Instagram @elisavalentistudio.