Milena Makani

Milena Makani (b. 1984 in Sofia, Bulgaria) is a German contemporary painter based in London, UK. Marked by gestural and lyrical abstraction, Makani’s deeply introspective paintings depict colourful, abstract anatomic and psychological inner landscapes characterised by layered textures, fluid forms and complex gradients, inviting viewers into a contemplative space where feeling and exploration of self take precedence over form.

Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and permanent pain, Makani’s work gives a distinct visual language to the complexities of the human condition and the molecules and emotions that connect us all. Rooted in curiosity and guided by an intuitive connection to her inner world, she investigates the colourful facets of her lived experience and themes of resilience, energy, serenity, fragility, stoicism and joy.

Utilising the unique attributes of various types of acrylics, watercolours and inks and their interactive properties on rare mineral stone sheets, Makani’s painting practice blends control and organic process in a striking balance between intention, spontaneity and manipulation.

Makani’s work has been exhibited in the United Kingdom, Bulgaria and Iceland and her paintings are featured in international publications and private collections across the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Bulgaria, Egypt, the United States and Canada.

On Process & Materials:

“My creative practice is rooted in my love of science, nature and colour. I now work exclusively on archival sheets made from calcium carbonate mixed with a small amount of resin for pliability (think bendy eggshell). Mineral stone sheets excel over paper and canvas in low resource impact by using renewable limestone (replenished >2x annual consumption). They avoid the need for deforestation and 2,700l water/kg farming with pesticides and soil depletion. In manufacturing they use 84% and emit 67% less CO₂ without the use of chemicals, bleaches and wastewater. In disposal/reuse they recycle to non-toxic minerals, outperforming paper’s methane-releasing landfills and the non-recyclable organic decay of canvas.

I utilise archival and lightfast acrylics, watercolours and inks which require intimate knowledge of their unique individual properties, as each paint type and colour differs in viscosity and pigment weight, determining their interactive behaviour. This understanding allows me to balance control with the organic evolution of the materials on an unusual surface.” - Milena Makani