ELENA HELFRECHT – PLEXUS

Exhibition: 7. 8. – 12. 9. 2026

In her project Plexus, German artist Elena Helfrecht explores the theme of historical trauma and coming to terms with the past, perceiving the institution of the family as a fundamental driver of psychological and cultural processes throughout history. She transforms her grandmother’s house in Bavaria into a stage, and archival materials into the protagonists of an allegorical play that unfolds within unsettling still lifes.

In the process of rediscovering the fragmentary history of her family’s female lineage, the term “remembering” takes on a literal meaning. Delving into an obscure history, she fills the gaps with dreams, associations, and imaginary scenes, creating a narrative that transcends both personal and national boundaries. This newly found sense of identity then serves as a foundation for a detailed exploration of memory, mental health, and war.

Elena Helfrecht (b. 1992) studied at the Humboldt University of Berlin and the Royal College of Art in London. Her photographs have been published in prestigious magazines such as The British Journal of Photography and The New Yorker. She has exhibited her work in prominent art institutions and festivals across Europe, as well as in the USA, Japan, and Australia. www.elenahelfrecht.com