About Helena
Helena Palazzi, born and raised in Sweden, embarked on her artistic journey as a young teenager; channeling her passion for visual storytelling by carrying around a secondhand analog camera everywhere she went. Hours spent in her family's garage- turned into a black & white darkroom- solidified her love for the art form. In 1993, Helena's path led her to Italy, her father's homeland, where she co-founded a photography and art studio alongside a group of talented young creatives. Fueling her artistic growth, she enrolled at the prestigious Academy of Fine Arts Pietro Vanucci in the region of Umbria. It wasn't long before she held her first solo exhibition, marking the beginning of a series of showcases that featured her photography, paintings, and mixed media art.
In 1998, Helena's artistic aspirations drew her to New York City, where she pursued a career in commercial photography. Her seductive and refined images caught the attention of renowned clients and creatives worldwide, propelling her into collaborations with some of the industry's luminaries.
In 2019, Helena made Kingston, NY her home, and she launched Art by Helena Palazzi, a fine art studio that allows her to explore her creative depths.
Helena is currently showing her work in various solo and group exhibitions around Hudson Valley and New York State. With her distinctive fusion of artistry she consistently produces visual art that profoundly resonates with viewers.
Artist Statement
The passing of both my parents, mere months apart, during the tail-end of the Corona virus pandemic, was a profound moment that sparked deep reflection on my Swedish background and its influence on my artistic journey. Their departure, along with the physical distance separating us, illuminated the profound impact of my upbringing in a conformity-driven, social-democratic Swedish society during the 1970s and 80s. This contrasted sharply with the individualistic culture of my current country of residence, the USA. Despite my rebellion against these norms and my eventual departure from Sweden as a young adult, I found myself yearning for the moderation I once resisted. This realization highlighted the lasting impact of my Swedish roots, with their emphasis on balance and moderation, on my artistic expressions.
In my creative journey, the pursuit of balance has always been paramount. However, it wasn't until the passing of my parents that I truly began to reflect on its significance. Despite the minimalist palette that characterizes my work, there lies within me a fervent desire for bold expression. This tension between restraint and boldness fuels an interplay of contrasts within my work. I constantly remove and add layers, hide and reveal, forget and rediscover, until the balance feels just right. Through this process of exploration and refinement, I uncover new layers of depth within my work, resulting in a fusion of my past and present.