Yelena Beliaev. Born in the USSR. Has lived in Israel for the last 24 years. A self-taught fiber and mixed media artist working in needle felting technique.

For five years she has created more than 100 felted pieces which have been arranged in different assemblages and installations.

Since 2022 her works have been published in different art magazines, have taken part in group and solo exhibitions in Rome, Paris, Amsterdam and Israel, and also have been exhibited on online international platforms.

Yelena Beliaev. Born in the USSR. Has lived in Israel for the last 24 years. A self-taught fiber and mixed media artist working in needle felting technique.

For five years she has created more than 100 felted pieces which have been arranged in different assemblages and installations.

Since 2022 her works have been published in different art magazines, have taken part in group and solo exhibitions in Rome, Paris, Amsterdam and Israel, and also have been exhibited on online international platforms.
The artist researches the theme of memory, identity, traditions, cultural codes and emotions which the memory revives.
PLAY VIDEO
CV
CV
1972
Born in Volgograd, the USSR
2000
Lives and works in Israel
Education
2002-2003
Museum Studies, the University of Haifa
selected solo and group exhibitions
2024
Receptors for Memory, personal self-organized exhibition
5 Jan — 30 Apr 2024, Visitors' Center, Meshek Ofir Winery, Alon HaGalil, Israel
The Art of Moss
23 - 24 Nov 2024, Studio Kura, Fukuoka, Japan, curator Michal Krasny
The Whole and its Parts
4 Sep — 20 Sep 2024, Keren Bar-Gil Contemporary Art Gallery, Ramat-HaSharon, curator Keren Bar-Gil
Summer Show
12 Jun — 20 Jul 2024, RBSA Gallery, Birmingham, UK
The Art of Picnic
7 Jun — 23 Jul 2024, TEO, Herzlyia, Israel, Two curators (Tamar Lamdan, Carmit Shine)
2023
Your View, online exhibition
25 Mar 2023, International Felt Makers Association
2022
New Art Vibes
5 Nov - 11 Nov 2022, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, curator Vanessa Viti
New Art Vibes
20 Oct - 28 Oct 2022, Paris, France, curator Vanessa Viti
Nature by Hand, online exhibition
4 Oct - 30 Oct 2022, The Gallery by MUI
New Art Vibes
9 Sep - 15 Sep 2022, Rome, Italy, curator Vanessa Viti
Visual Art Show
22 Jun - 29 Jun 2022, The Holy Art Gallery, London, UK
Publications
2024
Fiber in 3D, print exhibition, Fiber Art Now magazine, spring issue, the USA
2023
In Conversation with Yelena Beliaev, interview, editor Nina Seidel, Suboart magazine, online publication, 17.03.2023
In Conversation with Yelena Beliaev, Interview, Suboart magazine, Mart Issue, Vienna, Austria
2022
The Fruit of Her Labour, Article, Journalist K. Day Gomez, July issue, Paper magazine, San Antonio, Texas, the USA
Collections
Works in private collections in Israel, Canada, Australia and Russia
Works
Works
Through felted sculptures of fruits and vegetables,
I explore memory
The artist explores memory, identity and cultural codes. For visualization this theme she has chosen the most ancient textile technique — felting. However, the artist’s attention is concentrated on a more modern way, needle felting. It allows her to create small realistic looking 3D objects. The choice of this medium helps the artist in working in the theme of memory, because felt — iconic material of many national cultures — is deeply connected with home, traditions, and ancestors.

The artist often includes in her works fruit and vegetables, which are presented in everyday life of every person as an emotional trigger. She spent much time at home, bringing up two daughters, taking care of the home and tiny garden. Fruit and vegetables were a part of her routine life — in the kitchen, garden, market. She used to immerse herself in memories and thoughts about people and events associated with this or that fruit and vegetable.

The artist creates assemblages and installations, which imply, or allow for a tactile experience with viewers. To enhance the effect of immersion in memories, she invites viewers to touch, lift, look into, or move objects.

The author shares her personal experience. She wants to wake up the viewers' memories as well. The viewer can become a participant and sometimes an initiator of the conversation. In matters of keeping memories, the artist has more trust in simple stories of ordinary people than in polished texts from books.
Exhibitions
Exhibitions
Receptors for Memory

5 Jan — 30 Apr 2024
Visitors' Center
Ofir Winery, Alon HaGalil, Israel
The Art of Picnic

7 Jun — 23 Jul 2024
TEO, Herzlyia, Israel, Two curators (Tamar Lamdan, Carmit Shine)