Born in 1970, New York, where she currently lives and works. Ellen Altfest has developed her own distinct and devoted approach to a figurative and representational painting. Altfest always paints from life, drawn towards domestic plants, vegetables and more recently, male models. She immerses herself in an intense analysis and personal engagement with the subject that pushes her vision beyond the real. Altfest approaches her various subjects with a similar intent, spending hours of careful observation and study that results in images that although appear voyeuristic are portrayed with a deadpan humour and utmost vigilance towards her painting process.

Toby Kamps is former director of Blaffer Museum of Art, and curator of modern and contemporary art at the Menil Collection. He is now the director of external projects at White Cube Gallery and is an Editor-at-Large for the Brooklyn Rail.