John and Elli Milan

John and Elli Milan are a unique partnership in the world of fine art. A married couple, both highly trained and with many years’ experience, they create their paintings together, collaborating fully on each work artistically, intellectually and physically.

John and Elli’s vibrant and inspirational abstracts are highly sought after on an international platform. They have had many successful solo and group shows in the USA, Canada and Europe, the latter including a hugely prestigious exhibition commissioned by the Vatican. A total of 30 contemporary artists were chosen to represent all continents and the show was hosted by the Pons Foundation in Madrid in association with the Prado.

Both of the Milans are accomplished artists in their own right, but this collaboration brings out a depth and intensity in their work that neither reaches when working as an individual. Their artwork is vigorous and spontaneous, and the multiple layers of paint create a bright and playful scenario that is interwoven with intriguing hints of narrative.

The Milans have travelled extensively to Greece, and these trips have inspired their artwork and life. One of the couple’s dreams is to establish a permanent studio in one of Greece’s beautiful and ancient coastal cities. A fascination with contemporary buildings built around old ruins and the visible layers of history have become a metaphor for the way the couple see their canvases transforming, as they build up layers of art built upon classic principles but with a genuinely avantgarde interpretation of the world as they see it.

“Like these ancient cities, our lives, and indeed our artistic endeavours are complex; as we grow and progress, the new slowly replaces the old, and while we are often nostalgic for our past selves we also look forward with great expectation to our destiny.”

John, Elli and their four children live in Arizona. Internationally established and widely collected, they have seen their work in galleries and private collections in Canada, Europe, the United States, the Philippines and Dubai.