Inka Essenhigh (b. 1969) is an American painter known for her distinctive style that blends figurative and abstract art into imaginative narratives. Based in New York City, Essenhigh first gained prominence in the late 1990s with her glossy enamel paintings featuring fluid, biomorphic forms and surreal landscapes. Over her career, she transitioned to oil paints, allowing for more atmospheric depth while retaining her signature style of “fluid drawing.” Her work often explores allegorical themes, transforming everyday scenes into dreamlike fables populated by fantastical creatures. Essenhigh’s art is held in the permanent collections of prestigious institutions, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the Tate Modern.
Inka Essenhigh (b. 1969)
The Western Print