I was born in Russia in 1977, where I  attended art school for children from the age of three. In 2001 I immigrated with my mother to Australia at the age of thirteen. In Australia I studied art in Monash University and Victorian College of the Arts. I was part in number of exhibitions, in various galleries including 'Chiara Goya Gallery' and 'Manyong Gallery' and had my first solo show in 'La Trobe Valley Gallery'. I have won a University prize 'Fields of Vision' as well as receiving prestigious 'Pratt Foundation Scholarship', while at VCA. Since 2008 I lives and works in Berlin, Germany with my two children. My work focuses on reflecting on the beauty of the human existence and unity. Majorly a painter earlier, I now also work and experiment with video, digital media, installation and performance.

Elya May (artist name).