ABOUT

Elizabeth Coffey is a Richmond, Virginia-based mixed media painter. Working primarily with the figure, she constructs narratives that are intentionally ambiguous, leaving room for the viewer to interpret and respond through their own personal experiences. A central theme to these narratives is the tension between the seen and the unseen. Important to her process in bringing these narratives to life is the exploration of materials and techniques. She often paints on lace, a fabric that is symbolic of traditional domestic roles and accepted forms of creative expression for women, and that can also serve as a veil to true identity. She layers oil paint, graphite and other media, creating surfaces that may appear simple at first glance, but reveal underlying complexity and meaning.