Page 45 - Winter Issue

Elsa Murray

Elsa Murray is a 20-year-old trans-non-binary artist based in Duluth, Minnesota. Since childhood, Elsa
has been immersed in the world of art, having learned to paint from their grandmother, whose
influence remains a profound source of inspiration. After her passing, Elsa rekindled their passion for
painting as a means of coping with grief and exploring their identity. Elsa's work serves as a powerful
form of activism, rooted in themes of queerness, love, gender, and the search for belonging.
Through acrylic paint on canvas, they create vibrant, emotive pieces that reflect their experiences with
mental illness, loss, and the complexities of family and history. In addition to painting, Elsa also delves
into music and poetry, allowing for multifaceted expression of their inner world. Balancing a full-time
college education with their artistic practice, Elsa navigates the challenges of young adulthood while
processing their identity and caring for their inner child. Their work invites viewers to engage with the
nuances of identity, time, and place, ultimately advocating for liberation and self-expression.

Levels of Elevation, 1 Levels of Elevation, 2
Acrylic on canvas, Acrylic on canvas,
15'’x7'’, 2024 15'’x7'’, 2024

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