The scan.art Emerging Artist Prize 2024 is proud to announce Elena Paraskeva as the winner of the Photography Category. Hailing from Cyprus, Paraskeva is an internationally acclaimed conceptual photographer and art director, renowned for her ability to blend surreal imagery with rich color palettes, creating visual narratives that explore complex themes such as identity, emotion, and societal norms.
Master of Surrealism and Conceptual Narratives
Elena Paraskeva’s photography is a striking balance between beauty and the bizarre. Her ability to transform everyday moments into profound visual stories has captivated audiences and juries alike. Her award-winning work, “A Perfect Life I – The Dubious Self”, is part of a 1960s-styled cinematic series that delves deep into the emotional complexity of a seemingly perfect couple hiding a painful secret. The photograph illustrates a man’s internal struggle between societal expectations and his hidden truth, while the wife’s yearning for love adds a poignant layer of sorrow to the image. Paraskeva’s meticulous use of vivid colors and staging draws the viewer into this stifling, emotionally charged world, reminding us of the psychological consequences of repression and conformity.
This series has not only garnered praise for its visual appeal but has also earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious Gold at the Prix De La Photographie Paris 2023. It was exhibited during Paris Photo Week, further solidifying Paraskeva’s place as a force in contemporary photography.
Notable Achievements and Global Recognition
Elena Paraskeva’s career is decorated with numerous achievements. Her work has been featured in high-profile publications such as The Guardian and The Times, and she has exhibited in top-tier venues across the globe, including Barcelona, New York City, and Brussels. Most recently, she exhibited her works at the European Parliament in Brussels and at the XIV Florence Biennale in October 2023. In addition to her artistic success, Paraskeva has served as an official Adobe instructor and has been a recurrent judge for the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts.
Paraskeva’s talent for combining fashion, conceptual portraits, and storytelling has earned her a well-deserved place among the most innovative photographers of her generation. Her works often confront themes of love, repression, authenticity, and the complexities of human emotion, using surrealism to communicate the deeper layers of human experience.
Work Featured in the Finalist Exhibition
Paraskeva’s series “A Perfect Life” was prominently displayed at the scan.art Emerging Artist Prize 2024 Finalist Exhibition at the Bakerhouse Gallery in Graz, Austria. The exhibition, which opened on October 18th, provided an opportunity for visitors to experience the depth and complexity of her photography firsthand. Paraskeva’s work stood out not only for its stunning visuals but for the profound stories behind each photograph, making her the clear choice for the Photography Category Winner.
Her ability to combine surrealism with conceptual thought engages viewers on both an emotional and intellectual level. The series explores the hidden truths of human relationships, pushing audiences to reflect on how societal pressures can shape and distort our most intimate experiences.
Looking Forward
As the Photography Category Winner, Elena Paraskeva will receive several significant prizes, including a shared exhibition booth at the Discovery Art Fair Frankfurt 2024 and World Art Dubai 2025. Her work will also be featured in an online solo exhibition on scan.art, and she will be awarded a physical award commemorating her success. These prestigious exhibitions will provide Paraskeva with the opportunity to showcase her visionary work to an even broader international audience.
Elena Paraskeva’s journey with the scan.art Emerging Artist Prize underscores her unique talent for blending artistic beauty with deep emotional and conceptual resonance. Her work exemplifies the prize’s mission to support and promote artists who push the boundaries of contemporary art while addressing the complexities of the human experience.
Discover More
To explore more of Elena Paraskeva’s stunning conceptual photography, visit her profile on scan.art or visit her portfolio at www.elenaparaskeva.com.
