Elena Figurina was born in Ventspils, Latvia, in 1955. Her first solo show took place in Leningrad in 1978, during which she impressed her audience with the maturity of her artistic perspective and her acute depictions of surrounding tragedy. In 1979 Figurina graduated from the Leningrad Institute of Aircraft Construction. She joined the Association of Experimental Exhibitions and became an important representative of the Leningrad underground.
For her art, Figurina draws from the traditions of Primitivism and German Expressionism. Her paintings are often laconic, with gentle, sorrowful figures and bold, even tones.
Figurina has become well known within the international art community. Her works belong to many prestigious private collections and museums of Europe and the United States. She lives and works in St. Petersburg.
