I create art to express, not to impress—turning emotions, struggles, and stories into meaningful expression.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I love creating symbolic and emotional art that tells stories beyond words. My work often explores inner battles, transformation, identity, healing, and human emotion through expressive visuals, surreal concepts, and meaningful compositions. I enjoy creating art that allows viewers to connect, reflect, and interpret the work through their own experiences
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in life itself—the struggles, emotions, healing, and transformation people experience. My journey, migration, memories, fears, dreams, and human connection all influence my work. As a mental health advocate, I’m deeply inspired by the unseen battles people quietly carry and the importance of creating safe spaces for expression and healing. I believe art can become a voice for emotions that words sometimes cannot express, helping people feel seen, understood, and connected.
What would you do with $25,000?I would invest the $25,000 into my art, publish my book To Express, Not to Impress: Art in the Battle, and continue using creativity as a platform to advocate for mental health awareness. I also hope to create community art workshops and safe spaces where people—especially youth and individuals struggling silently—can express themselves, heal, and connect through art.
Vote for Jacob Divinagracia 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.
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.
