Elly Kostense is a native Belgian (Antwerp).

At 19 years old she moved to Thailand where she began her journey into the arts, discovering different outlets for her creativity through jewelry design and painting.

She was trained as a jewelry designer and worked in the industry for several years. Her passion has been demonstrated throughout her many exclusive jewelry collections.

Although primarily a self-taught artist, she also studied painting under a number of prominent Thai and American teachers and professors.

She made the transition to a fulltime painting career and has since held several exhibitions, each with its own distinctive theme.

Having spent the majority of her life living in Thailand, her work draws from her own worldly observations and her incessant cross-cultural intrigue. Elly’s recognizable signature style is best described as being both dramatic and powerful, articulating vibrant colours through a juxtaposition of rough brushstrokes and delicate lines.

Asia remains Elly’s muse over the years. Stirred by the rapid disappearance of traditional Asian cultures–something she observed first hand–Elly initially focused on telling the story of the women within these cultures in their struggle for identity. Acknowledging the often-denied importance of the woman’s role in society, her earlier collections focused on revealing both the hardships and strength that is often hidden behind a facade of beauty and serenity.

Subsequently, deciding to develop her craft by attending the renowned Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp, Elly opened herself to more western influences.

Intrigued by the phenomena of cultural evolution and globalization, her focus shifted to portraying the effects of such change on the individual across nations and cultures. Through her paintings, she has explored the resistance versus the urge to change, working with the reactions of different civilizations
 amidst their reforming political and social landscapes.

Her work focuses on the need for mankind to strive towards progression, showing the fear of difference as opposed to the yearning to enforce it.

Alongside her career as an artist, in 2011 Elly opened her own gallery and events space in the heart of Antwerp: Gallery Louiza Antwerp

 

Exhibitions:

1991
Bangkok Art Group
Imperial Queens Park Hotel, Bangkok

2002
Bangkok Art Festival
Neilson Hays Gallery, Bangkok

2003
International Exhibition
I.S.B. Unocal Gallery, Bangkok

2004
Solo exhibition  “Kimono”
Sukothai Hotel, Bangkok

2004
Art exhibition on the occasion of 100 years Thai-Belgium friendship
Siam Society, Bangkok

2004
International Exhibition
I.S.B., Unocal Gallery, Bangkok

2005
“Art for Elephants”
Thai Cultural Center, Bangkok

2006
Solo exhibition  “Sari ”
Budji Living Gallery, Bangkok

2006
“Art Painting” expo
TADU Contemporary Art, Bangkok

2006
“The Journey”
Exhibition & auction Indus, Bangkok

2007
Beluthai Chamber of Commerce
The Landmark Hotel, Bangkok

2008
Solo exhibition  “Jabula!”
V9 Sofitel Hotel, Bangkok

2009
Solo exhibition  “Change”
Arstudio Gallery, Knokke-Belgium

2010
“ Art & Chocolates”
Belgium Embassy, Bangkok

2011
Solo exhibition “Priz©e for Peace”
Gallery Louiza Antwerp

2012
“Priz©e 4 Peace” The Movement
Gallery Louiza Antwerp