In Memento Mori, Elena Burykina transforms a chance encounter at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s armor collection into a compelling meditation on history, craftsmanship, and mortality. Each painting in this series draws from an actual historical helmet or suit of armor, reimagined through Burykina’s distinctive color work and bold brushstrokes.

The collection invites viewers to consider the stories these objects might tell, from their role as protective gear in battle to their status as treasured symbols of power and prestige. Through rich textures and precise observation, Burykina captures both the artistry of the armor and the presence of those who once wore it, reminding us of the human narratives woven into every artifact.

📅 Exhibition Dates: August 16, 2025 → September 6, 2025

🎉 Opening Reception: Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 6 – 8 PM (The artist will be in attendance)
📍 Location: Abend Gallery | 1261 Delaware St, Denver, CO 80204

Elena creates oil portraits that explore the personalities and inner lives of her subjects from her studio in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Born in Ukraine in 1977, she received classical art training as a child and applied this foundation during her decade-long career as an architect before immigrating to the United States in 2013. Elena transitioned from architecture to teaching art and eventually dedicated herself full-time to painting, continuously expanding her technical knowledge through experimentation with new tools, mediums, and techniques. Her portraiture practice focuses on capturing the connection between artist and model, translating psychological depth and character onto canvas through deliberate brushwork and color. Elena holds membership in The Portrait Society of America, where she achieved Signature Status in 2022, and has earned recognition including a Certificate of Excellence in their 2019 International Portrait Competition. She is represented by select galleries across the United States including Abend Gallery.