I create art to make the invisible visible—turning memory, emotion, nostalgia, and mystery into worlds people can feel and step inside.
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 art to create is immersive, cinematic photography that feels like stepping into a dream, a memory, or the end of the world. I love building characters, costumes, and physical sets by hand, then using straight photography to turn ordinary spaces into emotionally charged worlds. I’m most drawn to work that is haunting, nostalgic, surreal, and deeply human.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in forgotten places, old movies, childhood nostalgia, theater, music, mystery, and emotion that is hard to explain in words. I’m drawn to abandoned spaces, vintage objects, eerie beauty, and the feeling that something sacred or strange is hidden beneath everyday life. A lot of my work comes from memory, longing, loneliness, wonder, and the desire to make invisible feelings visible.
What would you do with $25,000?I would use $25,000 to expand Studio 1985 in Manchester, NH and build new large-scale immersive sets, sculptures, costumes, and photo experiences that give people a place to create and feel transformed. It would help me buy materials, improve the space, fund ambitious new work, and make bigger opportunities for my community. It would directly support both my personal art practice and a creative home for others.
Vote for Karen Jerzyk 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.
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