EuGene Byrd

I create art to turn emotion, history, and life into something people can feel, reflect on, and carry with them.

Currently 6th

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You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!

Voting for the Top 20 ends Thursday the 14th of May at 7PM PDT

What is The People's Artist?

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What is your favorite type of art to create?

I work across mediums, but painting, especially in acrylic, is where I feel most honest. I’m drawn to large-scale work that lets me move fully, painting with my shoulder and body as much as my hand. I often return to the faces of people I know, respect, and love, an act of care, of seeing and being seen. Beyond portraiture, my work leans into tension and vulnerability, pushing me toward accountability and growth, while inviting the viewer into that same space of reflection and discovery.

Where do you find inspiration?

I’m inspired by life, my experiences, what I care about, and the people closest to me: my family, my friends, the love of my life, and the community around me. I’m driven by the need to express what words can’t, using art as my voice. Growth fuels me, each piece pushing me to become better and more intentional. I’m inspired by the act of creation itself, the discipline of finishing, and the urge to show up fully, honestly, and unguarded, allowing the work to reflect who I am in that moment.

What would you do with $25,000?

If I had $25,000, it would give me space to create with less stress and focus fully on my work. I’ve spent years pouring into my local art community, building opportunities for others, and this would help me continue that. It would also allow me to travel and expand my perspective. It would let me take my partner on the dates I’ve missed while painting through the night, follow through on promises to my child, and take needed time away to breathe, reset, and return with more intention.

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