Elena Kovylina is a Moscow and Paris-based artist whose confrontational performances concern the political significance of a woman’s experience in Russia today. Taking on the varied roles of author, aggressor, and object of desire, Kovylina’s devastating and visceral social critiques have made her among the most prominent artists currently working in Russia.

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Born in Moscow, Russia in 1971 and currently residing there, Kovylina studied at the Art Academy of Moscow from 93-95. Her international exhibitions include  the Biennale of Sydney 2006, Australia: (video) “Madonna the flowers”, Katoptron, Museum Center at the Russian State University for Humanities, 2007, (project) – “Love after the cold war” Exhibition Black Quadrate, ZDH, 2nd Moscow Biennale, 2007, (video)+(group) Sots Art. Political Art in Russia and China, National Tretjakov gallery, 2nd Moscow Biennale, 2007, Petroliana, Contemporary Art Museum, 2nd Moscow Biennale, 2007, By Interaction, Lenin Museum, 2nd Moscow Biennale, 2007, Partners in Crime, Gallery MC, NY, 2007. Kovylina’s recent exhibitions include: 125 grammi, Turin, Italy, 2015, Rituals, Moscow, Russia, 2014, Destination unknown, Moscow, Russia, 2008, Performance Festival RIAP, Quebec, Canada, 2006, “Red Shelter”, “Love after the cold war”, MAK Schindler House for Art and Architecture LA, USA, 2006, “The politics of Care” Whitney Museum, NY, 2005, “Legal Prostitution in Russia”, Museum of Modern Art, 1st Moscow Biennale, Moscow, 2005, “Walse” , “The seven sins”, Museum of Modern Art, Ljubljana, 2004, Redefining Action, Summer Scene, International Performing Art Festival, Salzburg, 2004, “Walse“ Sommerfrische, “Kunstlervideos mit Esprit“, Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg , 2004 and“Domophone“, 1st Praguebiennale, Prague, 2003.