Johan Elst (°1965, Mechelen) studied sciences at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. After his studies he got trained in the most popular graphic software packages. As a graphic designer for pharma and medical device companies, he combines both skills.
As an artist, Johan is a late bloomer. His friends call him an 'intellectual omnivore', a man of many talents but therefore paralyzed in making choices. The revamped Multidisciplinary Workshop at the academy in Mechelen saved him from that problem. He doesn't make a choice, he does a bit of everything. In 2019 he finished the 7 years course.
He works on canvas, prints, installations and videos. His work is playful, accessible, often melancholic and lovely, regardless of the often disturbing subject.