I paint to give memory and emotion a voice—turning color, culture, and story into something others can feel and connect with.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
My favorite work blends surreal portraiture with Russian folk-inspired design. In my series Echoes of Olja, I explore my identity through my experience as a Russian adoptee-layering porcelain blues, florals, and symbolic elements into contemporary composition. My work lives between realism and memory, creating pieces that feel both personal and culturally rooted.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in my adoption story, Russian culture, and the idea of rediscovering identity. I am drawn to traditional patterns, florals like poppies, and porcelain motifs, which I reinterpret through a modern lens. Emotion, memory, and the question of "where do I belong?" guide each piece I create.
What would you do with $25,000?With $25,000, I would invest in expanding my Echoes of Olja series and creating more immersive works. I would also give a portion to adoption agencies in need, supporting children and families navigating the same journey that shaped my life. This award would allow me to grow my practice while giving back with purpose.
Vote for Jessica Tackett 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.
