Els Borghart is a visual artist with a passion for travelling and reading. Her changing world view and portrayal of mankind as a result of many travels and moving countries, which she mixes with personal reflections, reveries and challenges is where she find her inspiration. She explores the significance of wandering and how this influences our perception of the world.

Els is a Belgian artist living and working between Belgium and Ireland since 2008. She has an MA in Fine Art (LUCA School of Arts –Belgium) and an MA in Cultural Policy & Art Management (University Antwerp Management School – Belgium). She has exhibited both nationally and internationally including recent solo shows in Arvada Art Gallery – Belgium and An Táin Arts Centre – Ireland. Her work is represented in private and public collections in Ireland, the UK and in Belgium. She have received awards from Create Louth, Creative Ireland and the Arts Council of Ireland in recent years.

Inspired by a Creative Ireland Project featuring live portrait drawings and storytelling sessions involving Ukrainian nationals, Els is embarking on a new artistic journey. Leveraging her preliminary sketches and textual elements, She will intricately weave them into a collection of expressive drawings and paintings. She aims to transcend conventional media depictions and cultivate deeper understanding. Els remarks this residency will provide invaluable support during the crucial development phase of these new works.

Els is in residence in the Basement Gallery studio during February – April 2024
Follow her progress on Facebook @BorghartEls & Instagram @elsborghart #antainartists