Natasha Lelenco, Currency #259, 2025, Painting on Wood

"Aquí ya no soy extranjera, pero sigo sin ser de aquí." (Spanish → "Here I am no longer a foreigner, but I am still not from here.") This striking circular portrait (26 cm diameter, 2 cm thick) captures the complexity of identity and belonging. The composition is dominated by a warm ochre background, contrasting with the intense red tones that envelop the subject’s face. Her sculptural, wavy hair suggests a sense of history and continuity, while her steady yet uncertain gaze embodies the paradox of assimilation—accepted yet never fully belonging. The hand-painted inscription encircles the portrait, reinforcing the tension between integration and estrangement, a sentiment echoed by many who navigate between cultures. Part of Natasha Lelenco’s Currencies (I Am Sorry, I Am Not from Here), a series of over 200 unique works, this piece explores themes of migration, displacement, and the fluidity of identity. Lelenco’s work challenges traditional portraiture by merging meticulous realism with expressive, vibrant color and a contemporary conceptual framework. The series also plays with the arbitrary valuation of human life, reflected in the fluctuating prices of these Currencies, questioning the social and economic inequalities imposed by nationality and class. Designed for standalone display or as part of a multi-panel installation, this artwork effortlessly integrates into sophisticated interior design projects. Leading design studios have already incorporated pieces from the Currencies series into their collections, recognizing their unique visual and conceptual impact.