Sleeping Beauties / Until November 15th, 2025

Patricia Low Venezia presents Sleeping Beauties, the first solo exhibition by UK-based artist Elsa Rouy at the gallery, comprising nine paintings and two drawings created specifically for this show.

For Sleeping Beauties, Rouy plays with a greater sense of passivity than in previous works. Many of her subjects seem vulnerable, in positions of repose rather than taking part in overtly sadistic activity. It is left to the viewer to decide whether their passivity is enforced or chosen by them. In I never wanted to be awoken, two figures who appear in need of help fail to do anything for each another; one is shown with their spine and leg bent backwards, reflective of a classic horror film pose, while the other’s eye is stained with vivid red. Regret shows another pair of bodies in bed, the foregrounded figure turned towards the viewer with a look of fear or shame. The title of the show purposely contrasts a serene phrase with darker undertones, a conflict that runs through much of Rouy’s work, which is painted beautifully using a rich colour palette while depicting at times disturbing material.