Photographed By Thomas Kimmerlin Poupart
Élisabeth Denis is an internationally recognised artist whose practice spans writing, photography, and films with a focus on relational aesthetics. Her work engages with journalistic and non-fiction writing, interactive installations, and social and political art, examining the intersections between personal narratives and collective memory. One of Élisabeth's photographic series is currently on display in the public space at Parc de la Coulée-Verte in Saint-Lambert, Canada, as part of a year-long exhibition from 2024-2025. Her writing was published in Local RAG, the Raglan Chronicle, Owl Anthology Dunedin, and Deeper Japan, where she explored themes such as gender dynamics in Kabuki theatre, nostalgia, aging, and intimate photojournalistic exploration of memory. Her work has been further recognized through various residencies, including her two-time selection as an artist in residence at Can Serrat, Spain, the oldest international research and production centers in Catalonia. In 2024, she was invited at the Marina Abramovic Institute's "Cleaning the House" workshop in Greece, having earned a scholarship for this program. Additionally, she has been invited to the ArtHouse Pani residency in Mexico and she participated at the Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora ki Kirikiriroa in New Zealand. In 2022, she initiated the photojournalistic series "Small Gestures: Exploring the Memories of a Lived Life" in collaboration with residents of the Raglan Rest Home and Hospital, a project that received funding from the Community Fund Raglan Co. and the Waikato Creative Communities. Her dedication to the arts has earned her several awards, including a literary grant from AFÉA (UQAM - Montreal) and recognition from the Canada Council for the Arts. Described by Tesh, co-founder of Raglan Co., as a catalyst for community engagement, Élisabeth is known for her leadership and her ability to mobilize collaborative projects. She has served as an art tutor and founded Guerilla Art Jams, curating multi-disciplinary exhibitions and concerts. Her work has been featured in international outlets such as the New Zealand Herald, Waikato Times, New-Zealand Radio (RNZ Culture 101), Creative Waikato Press, WIFT (Women in Film and Television New Zealand), Beautiful Bizarre (Australia), Raglan Radio, and Issuu New Zealand. With upcoming participations at the ARCUS Ibaraki Research Center in Japan and the Rocaberti Writers Retreat in Spain for 2025, Élisabeth continues to expand her international profile and contribute meaningfully to global art and cross-cultural dialogues.
PRESS
6-hour interactive photoshoot replaces camera shutter with bullet sounds, RNZ, October 2024
WATCH: A six-hour performance to get the Perfect Shot, STUFF, October 2024
Perfect Shot – a powerful commentary on the fashion and media industry, Raglan Radio, October 2024
Elisabeth Denis at Raglan Arts Weekend, Raglan Arts Weekend, September 2024
RAW 2024 On Track To Be More Festive Than Ever, Raglan 23, July 2024
Elisabeth Denis to perform at the Hamilton Arts Festival this weekend, Raglan Radio, February 2024
The vibe lifter podcast, Raglan Food Co., November 2023
Conversation on migration, The Raglan Chronicle, April 2023
Black Rainbow documentary, WIFT (Women in Film and Television New-Zealand), March 2023
A conceptual exhibition of confessional art, The Chronicle, february 2022
Wharf Gallery, Raglan Chronicle, June 2022
Geodynamic Slumbers Exhibition, Raglan radio interview, august 2021
Unmade bed inspires intimate exhibition, the chronicle, July 2021
One night only Aug 7 – Geodynamic Slumbers, Raglan arts center, july 2021
AWARDS
Hands of a blue tale, Overall winner grand Phoenix award, RAFFA 2024
Hands of a blue tale, 1st Open Professionnal, RAFFA 2024
Cold-blooded-Dermatographic-Locutions, 2nd open professionnal, RAFFA 2022
anthropomorphism, best documentary, RAFFA 2019
CREDITS
City woman (cast), KLARA AND THE SUN, directed by Taika Waititi, 2024
Woman refugee (cast), KLARA AND THE SUN, directed by Taika Waititi, 2024
rESIDENCY
Can Serrat – Barcelona, Spain 2023
Shyam – Cali, Colombia 2024
Theatricalities by Primordiales – Mexico City, Mexico 2024
Photographs taken by by akira senokuchi, Lorenzo Thapliyal, and Tomek Friedrich