Jelena's own personal journey as an immigrant has deeply influenced her artistic expression. Having relocated from Belgrade to Toronto and later to Lisbon, she intimately understands the bittersweet longing for home, the complex emotions tied to displacement, and the profound impact that cultural assimilation has on one's identity. Through her art, she explores themes of nostalgia, belonging, and the quest for a sense of rootedness. Her paintings become a visual dialogue between her longing for the familiar and her embrace of the new, inviting viewers to reflect on the universal yearning for a place to call home.
Before devoting her life to the realm of art, Duma pursued a career as a psychotherapist, where she worked closely with individuals seeking solace and self-discovery. This profound understanding of the human condition infuses her paintings as she creates thought-provoking visual narratives that invite viewers to explore the labyrinthine corridors of their own subconscious. Her work often serves as a visual representation of the untamed landscape of the mind, where dreams and reality intersect.
Central to Duma's artistic practice is her commitment to ecological consciousness. Ocean life, with its mesmerizing colors, mysterious creatures, and intricate ecosystems, is a constant source of inspiration for Jelena. She delves into the depths of marine biodiversity, incorporating elements of marine life into her artworks, as well as her imaginative creatures in human condition.
Jelena Duma's unique artistic voice continues to captivate audiences, fostering a profound appreciation for the beauty of nature, the mysteries of the human mind, and the interconnections that bind us all.