I create art to make sense of the chaos in both my inner and outer worlds.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I like painting distorted anatomy and bold, intentional color palettes that carry mood and story. I start in chaos and push until I find control over it—that tension is what makes the work feel alive to me.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in tension—both internal and external. Distorted human forms, strong color relationships, and the contrast between control and chaos stay with me. I’m also drawn to everyday visual noise—street imagery, body language, and moments that feel slightly off or unresolved.
What would you do with $25,000?I’d put it directly into my studio practice—larger canvases, better materials, and consistent production at scale. I’d also use part of it for proper documentation so the work can reach galleries and collectors professionally. At the same time, it would help me create more stability for my 2-year-old son, which is a big reason I’m serious about building this into a sustainable career.
Vote for Kenneth Barrett 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.
Limited-time: 2X votes ends on Sun 5/31 at 9PM PDT
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