Ellen Wickens (b. 1994, Australia) explores the imaginary systems and symbolic languages of the body through painting and installation. Rooted in psychoanalysis and philosophy, her practice incorporates considered materials such as suede and latex with themes of incertitude, fantasy and the imaginary to investigate the complex and often slippery relationships between the sensorial body, identity, and perception. Primarily, Wickens is interested in how painting can record the elusive material and affective dimensions of bodily subjectivity and symbolic representation.

Wickens holds a Masters of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts from the National Art School. Her work has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions across Australia and in Europe, including Milk, Jerico Contemporary, Sydney (2022); Dancing With No Music, Ambush Gallery, Sydney (2022); Hatched, Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts, Perth (2021); In Good Company, Gaffa Gallery, Sydney (2021); PROXIMITY, Articulate Project Space, Sydney (2020); Aboriginal Lives Matter, 321 Crown St Surry Hill, Sydney (2020); Australia Burns, The Lord Gladstone, Sydney (2020); Landscape, The National Art School, Sydney (2019), OFFCUTS, Don Whyte Framing Gallery, Darwin (2018 and 2017); Out of the Blue, Gallery one88, Australia (2016); Photographic works by Elle Wickens, Lyttleton Stores Gallery, Australia (2016); Head On Photo Festival, Gallery one88, Australia (2016); ART EXPO, ARI Leidsegracht, Amsterdam (2014) and Amsterdam Affordable Urban Art Fair (2014). Wickens received the Clitheroe Foundation MFA scholarship in 2020, and her work is held in private collections in Australia and Europe.