Episode 474 / E.E. Kono

E.E. Kono is a multidisciplinary artist based in Iowa and Los Angeles. She is best known for her vibrant egg tempera paintings which blend elements of 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. Her art is characterized by its meticulous technique and thoughtful incorporation of symbolic elements. E.E.’s artistic practice explores the intersection between ancient traditions and contemporary issues within the context of global interconnectedness.

A self-taught painter, E.E. studied art history at the University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA) and the University of Hull (Kingston Upon Hull, England). Her work has been exhibited internationally and in notable venues including Bergdorf Goodman in the “A Room Just So”, curated by Natasha Roberts, and Future Fair 2025 with Elijah Wheat Showroom, The Riverside Art Museum in California, and FORMah. She has had solo exhibits at the Dubuque Museum of Art, La Luz de Jesus, and Gallery 825. Her paintings have been covered 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 in Ohio. She participated in the Wassaic Project 2025 Winter Residency.