A Celebration of Life: Dancing Through Adversity

Lina Gelfer

March 1 - 13

Opening reception: March 1, 2:30

Studio 114 at Art Bias

Lina Gelfer lived a life governed by logic and precision as a math and physics professor in the USSR who arrived in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1990. But at age 76, diagnosed with cancer, everything changed. Following brain surgery and a move to a long-term care facility, Lina traded equations for intuition to become a self-taught artist.

In just two years, often painting from her bed during treatment, she created over 300 vibrant works. Firmly rooted in the outsider art tradition, Lina’s work is characterized by bold, energetic colors, swirling motion, and surreal iconography ranging from circus scenes, dancers, and musicians to cosmic landscapes. Lina’s paintings celebrate hope, love, and the human spirit - a testament to resilience blooming even in the most challenging circumstances. Read more about Lina here.

Lina is currently based in Mountain View and looks forward to meeting you at the opening reception on March 1 at 2:30 PM.