HL Arts: Helen Ibrahim, Installation Artist, and the Spiritual Journey Inspiring Her Work

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Category: Art, Museums, Galleries

Published on Tuesday, 08 December 2015 20:01

Inspired by her time spent with the Aboriginal and Hopi tribes, Helen Andronis Ibrahim uses aspects of the earth, like bark, branches and twigs, in her work in a lyrical manner, representing the planet and the souls of its people.

After transforming her life from full time hairdresser to full time artist, Ibrahim through her breathtaking portraits, carries out her passion for Indigenous culture.

Ibrahim's fascination with the tribes lies in the small details of their cultural tradition. "It's the unique art they create, the stories passed on generation to generation. The music they chant and spiritual beliefs they live by; above all the incredible connection they have to this planet and all of its beauty." Her fine art is influenced 'by anyone or any place that touches her heart and heals a part of her soul'.

Helen Andronis Ibrahim, who also goes by the Greek translation, Eleni, lives and paints in Melbourne, Australia. Her shift to professional artist has led her to follow her soul's true purpose by creating a kind of art with the subject matter and aesthetics that connect her to the earth, re-defining her ultimate truth.

When asked the question "What does art mean to you?", it wasn't surprising that Eleni's response was one filled with light, inspiration and spirit.

"At some point most of us wake up and invite wisdom into our lives to reach our higher self because eventually we want to know who we are and why we exist. Art for me is my truth, my religion, my identity, my escape and my hope. It opens my mind, heals my heart, fuels my body and frees my soul. It gives me a purpose in life."

She continued, "It inspires me to heal, to touch, to give and to love. Better yet, my work communicates to the human race what I have learnt along the way. Make changes. Ask for guidance. Seek the truth and find your purpose. You may touch one soul or you may touch millions. 

Once the mind is open, the heart will heal itself. Believe in your power and anything is possible.  There is too much sadness on the planet to ignore; yet enough innocence to make it all worthwhile. Truth is what I paint and art is who I am."

Eleni and her husband, Michael, recently opened a Café and Gallery in St. Kilda, Melbourne, Australia called Soul Kitchen Café on the beach and Eleni Gallery. Soul Kitchen is a mobile café mixed with Eleni's gallery- a place of healing and creativity where art lovers can experience a connection to a creation that she has put her heart and soul into. A few of her pieces are exhibited there, along with one of her newest Native American art piece, "TRUST".

Sitting in her studio one night, Eleni felt inspired to travel to the United States. "I just had a feeling it was time to go, the time to trust. To 'trust' this was the next part of my journey," said Ibrahim. Guided by her intuition, she headed over to the United States to the Hopi Reservation in Arizona, where she let her spirit and trust guide her. As "some of the most gentle and peaceful people in the world", Eleni was inspired to create her painting.

"TRUST," is a large portrait of a Native American man who she refers to as a "spiritual guide." "TRUST" will soon be traveling the world along with one of her most famous paintings, "I AM," a portrait of Kunmanara Randall.

A member of the Stolen Generation and a Yankunytjatjara Elder, Kunmanara Randall was the initial force that inspired Eleni to create. He was a teacher, a leader for the indigenous land rights, education, community development and cultural awareness.

"He not only inspired me through the gentleness of his soul and the forgiveness in his eyes, but he also taught me to trust once again in who I AM. I am life. I am love, and I am one with all that exists," said Ibrahim.

Although Ibrahim is an Australian based artist, her painting made it across the world to Times Square in New York City.  In 2014, See Me Gallery, based in New York City, digitally displayed her work on a 25 story building in the middle of Times Square.

Helen Andronis Ibrahim's paintings, "TRUST" and "I AM" will journey across the world to tell stories of belief and love for humanity and land. With art that undoubtedly comes from a place of love and insight, Eleni hopes to once again, connect mankind with the earth.

To see more of Helen Ibrahim's work, visit her site: www.eleni.cc