My work explores how everyday moments and objects reflect identity, memory, and the experiences that shape how we see the world.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
Photography is at the center of my practice. It feels instinctive, allowing me to respond to moments as they unfold without overthinking. I focus on observing rather than controlling, using the camera to slow down and notice small gestures and quiet interactions. Alongside this, painting gives me a more deliberate space to reflect, where I can sit with ideas and shape meaning over time. Together, they allow me to create work that is both immediate and thoughtful.
Where do you find inspiration?Photographers like Garry Winogrand, Saul Leiter, and Diane Arbus play a major role in where I find inspiration. Winogrand’s fast, instinctive approach to street photography captures the unpredictability of everyday life. Leiter’s use of color, reflection, and abstraction turns ordinary scenes into something quiet and poetic. Arbus focused on intimate portraits of people often overlooked, revealing a raw and honest perspective. Their work continues to shape how I see and understand the world.
What would you do with $25,000?I would use this grant to support my education journey as I pursue a master’s degree. My goal is to become an educator, shaped by the mentors who have guided and influenced me. Their impact has shown me the value of support and guidance in creative fields. I want to give back by helping future students grow, find their voice, and navigate their own artistic paths.
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Limited-time: 2X votes ends on Tue 5/12 at 9PM PDT
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