I love creating art because it saved me, and through it I give youth the tools to heal, grow, and empower themselves too.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
Murals are my favorite type of art to create. Growing up in Oakland, I was surrounded by street art and graffiti—it’s something I always wanted to be a part of. Now that I’m a mural teacher and full-time muralist, I genuinely love what I do. It’s even better than I ever imagined.
Where do you find inspiration?find my inspiration in storytelling—telling my own stories, my experiences, and my cultures, whether that’s Vietnamese, Mexican, or my identity as an Oaklander and activist. I’m also inspired by what’s happening today and the importance of documenting history through my art. Ultimately, my work comes from my life experiences, including my mental health and identity challenges. Through that, I’m able to not only tell my story, but also help others—especially youth—navigate their own.
What would you do with $25,000?With $25,000, I would gain the stability to continue my work in the Bay Area, where it’s most needed. It would help cover living expenses, allowing me to dedicate more time to running my mural program, ActivArtists, which empowers youth through art and self-expression. I would also begin saving toward a studio space in Oakland to expand my impact and serve my community on a larger scale.
Vote for Joaquin Tinh 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.
