Between Color and Form: Elena Seroff on the Balance of Abstraction.

June 10, 2025

Elena Seroff - Cosmic Dance. Composition 12, oil on canvas. Work in progress.

Elena Seroff is an abstract artist whose work connects the emotional and the analytical, blending color, structure, and symbolism into a visual language. Though classically trained, Seroff embraces the freedom of abstraction as a way to express emotion through rhythm and shape. Based in New York, Elena's work is influenced by the complexity of urban life and the beauty of nature. Her series Broken Nature explores the connection between humanity and the environment. At the same time, The Place I Live In depicts New York City as a living organism—built from cells, systems, and sensations.

"Through abstraction, I invite the viewer into an open dialogue between form and color," Elena says. "My goal is to create visual harmony that sparks emotional connection and encourages the viewer to a deeper understanding of my ideas."

In this interview, Elena Seroff reflects on her creative process, her inspirations, and the importance of balance, color, and form.

Broken Nature. Element 1, oil on canvas

Your artistic journey has taken you from Kaliningrad to Estonia and finally to New York. How have these diverse cultural experiences shaped your approach to abstract art?

My artistic journey, which began in Kaliningrad and continued to Estonia, finally led me to New York, has shaped my approach to abstract art by exposing me to a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. The blend of Russian art introduced me to a sense of history and complexity. Living in Estonia, with its unique blend of Scandinavian and Eastern European cultures, taught me the value of minimalism and simplicity. Finally, New York, with its vibrant and diverse art scene, has encouraged me to experiment and push the boundaries of my creativity. Each place has left its mark, allowing me to blend these diverse views into an abstract style and my perception of life.

You described your creative process as involving sketches and careful planning rather than spontaneity. How does this methodical approach contribute to the emotional depth of your abstract works? 

By meticulously creating each piece, I consider how form, color, and composition interact with my ideas. The time spent sketching allows me to fully understand the emotions I want to convey, translating into a more intentional and resonant piece of art. In a way, the structure of my process becomes a meditative practice, enabling me to channel complex emotions in a controlled and deliberate manner, finding harmony in my compositions.

Elena Seroff - Contemplation, oil on canvas

Your work spans both impressionist and abstract styles. How do you navigate between these different modes of expression, and do you see them as distinct or interconnected in your practice?

Navigating between impressionist and abstract elements is a dynamic process deeply interconnected in my practice. Both methods of expression allow me to explore different aspects of perception and ideas. My impressionist elements focus on capturing light, color, and atmosphere. It allows me to express an immediate response to the world around me, where the brushstrokes and textures convey a sense of movement and vitality. On the other hand, my abstract elements delve deeper into ideas, emotions, and concepts. Here, I strip away representational forms to explore the subject, using shapes, colors, and compositions. Abstract art enables me to engage with universal themes, such as balance, rhythm, and harmony, that are open to multiple interpretations.

You mentioned an interest in incorporating Pointillism into your technique. Can you elaborate on how this style interplays with your abstract compositions?

Using the Pointillism technique has introduced a fascinating interplay with my abstract compositions. Pointillism, with its meticulous placement of individual dots of color, allows me to experiment with how colors interact and create visual effects, adding texture and depth to my abstract work. I often focus on large, bold shapes and expressive color fields. Incorporating Pointillism within these compositions has introduced a more intricate, almost meditative quality. By breaking down areas of color into tiny dots, I can create subtle shifts in tone, which adds a dynamic energy to the piece. It allows me to play with light and blur the boundaries between solid forms, giving a sense of movement.

Elena Seroff - Symphony Of Geometric Shapes 2, gouache, soft pastel, ink, gel pencil on watercolor paper

The concept of transformation appears to be central to your philosophy. How do you embody this idea of constant change in your artwork?

I reflect transformation by layering different elements—geometric shapes, textures, or color fields—in ways that create a sense of movement and balance. Transformation, for me, is about evolution—whether it's the evolution of form, color, or even meaning. I often begin with one idea or structure and allow the piece to change organically throughout its creation, embracing shifts in composition and experimenting with new techniques as the work develops.

In my Symphony of Geometric Shapes new series, for example, I use geometric forms intentionally placed in an interconnected way to create a sense of movement and fluidity. 

Similarly, in "The Place I Live In: New York," I capture the essence of the city's constant transformation, depicting it as a place defined by its ever-changing skyline, vibrant cultural shifts, and the energy of its people. 

Elena Seroff - The Place I Live In #3, oil on canvas

Tell us more about your new abstract series, The Place I Live In. New York City? 

The Place I Live In series is dedicated to cities or places that resonate as home. These places bring happiness and meaning, regardless of where you are born. The Place I Live In. New York delves into the diversity and vibrancy of New York City. Each piece captures the cultural, emotional, and mental experiences that define life in the city, blending bold forms and vivid colors to evoke its dynamic energy.

In this series, I use square-like shapes associated with human cells, emphasizing that New York City is a living organism with its complexity and function. Each square is an analogy for the individual contributions of people, neighborhoods, and cultures. Through this series, I aim to depict New York as a physical space and a dynamic entity overflowing with life and rich in cultural diversity.

Left: Elena Seroff - The Place I Live In #3 and Symphony Of Geometric Shapes / Right: Elena Seroff - The Place I Live In #3

As an exhibiting artist and founder of Artios Gallery, could you tell us more about the upcoming exhibition and its program?

This year promises to be busy for me and my fellow artists. Artios Gallery will participate in the Hamptons Fine Art Fair and the Affordable Art Fair NY Fall 2025. As an exhibiting artist and the gallery's founder, I'm thrilled about the selection of art pieces I've curated for these events. It reflects our commitment to promoting emerging and mid-career artists who push boundaries in their respective styles.

During the fair, the program will feature a series of artist talks, allowing attendees to learn more about the creative processes behind the works. By participating in the Hamptons Fine Art Fair and Affordable Art Fair, we aim to showcase high-quality, original art that is more accessible, encouraging more people to explore and invest in contemporary art. The fair is always a vibrant platform for discovering new talents and connecting with art lovers, and I'm excited to see how the rest of this year unfolds.