​USA b.1973 Oshkosh, WI

Lives and Works in both Los Angeles and Dubuque, IA

​

E.E. Kono is a multidisciplinary artist based in Iowa and Los Angeles, USA. She is best known for her vibrant egg tempera paintings which blend elements of Northern Renaissance art with mythological, and religious imagery. Utilizing historically significant materials such as silverpoint and locally sourced earth pigments, her work explores the connection between place, culture, and storytelling.

​

Kono’s art is characterized by its meticulous technique and thoughtful incorporation of symbolic elements. Uncovering layered personal and geopolitical histories, her subject matter blends cultural imagery with influences that stem from travel to folklore and art history. Kono’s artistic practice explores the intersection between ancient traditions and contemporary issues within the context of global interconnectedness.

​

A self-taught painter, Kono studied art history at the University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) and the University of Hull (Kingston Upon Hull, England). She learned traditional egg tempera techniques under the guidance of artist Koo Schadler. Kono’s work has been exhibited internationally and in notable venues, including solo exhibits at the Dubuque Museum of Art (Dubuque, IA), La Luz de Jesus (Los Angeles, CA), and Gallery 825 (Los Angeles) As well as group exhibits at Riverside Art Museum (Riverside, California), FORMah (NYC) Modern Eden (San Francisco, CA), Beinart Gallery, (Melbourne Australia).  Her paintings have been seen in Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, American Art Collector, Arts to Hearts Magazine, and Juxtapoz magazine. Additionally, she is an award-winning author and illustrator with over a dozen books published by major trade houses. Her book illustrations are in the collection of the Mazza Museum (Findley, OH)​ ​ She will be participating in the Wassaic Project 2025 Winter Residency (Wassaic, NY).

​

​

CV

​