I create art to heal, using VR to reduce trauma, anxiety, and pain, from refugee camps to hospital patients.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I create immersive landscapes in virtual reality, places people can step into when the real world feels overwhelming. My work draws from photography, natural environments, and classical landscape painting, but transforms them into interactive spaces designed to calm the nervous system. These environments are not just visual—they are felt, helping people slow down, breathe, and reconnect with a sense of safety.
Where do you find inspiration?My work is rooted in a simple intention: reduce suffering. I draw inspiration from faith, from nature, and from the long history of human expression, from cave paintings to sacred art to modern storytelling. Across time, people have created spaces to process pain and meaning. I see VR as a continuation of that lineage, an opportunity to build immersive environments that help people heal.
What would you do with $25,000?I would use the funding to complete and deploy Rubi AI VR EMDR Therapy, an accessible, immersive tool designed to help reduce trauma and anxiety. It’s being developed for use in burn units in the U.S. and in low-resource settings like refugee camps. The goal is to make high-quality trauma support available even where clinicians are limited, combining VR environments with guided, evidence-informed techniques.
Vote for Allen Olson-Urtecho to become The People's Artist while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Art of Elysium in their mission to use art as a catalyst to help people triumph over difficult life challenges.
Register now for your opportunity to appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display your artwork at The Art of Elysium's Salon.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like The People's Artist, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
