Kristen Olinger

I struggle with multiple chronic health conditions and I wanted to destigmatize the negative perceptions of life with disability.

Currently 35th

in their Group
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You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!

Voting for the Top 20 ends Thursday the 14th of May at 7PM PDT

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What is your favorite type of art to create?

My passion is photography and I specifically enjoy creating narrative photos to tell stories. I create , sets , costumes and props to accompany my self portraits to address various aspects of my life living with chronic illness and disability in hopes of challenging perceptions of what disability “looks like” . Once the photograph is complete I sometimes take it a step further and recreate the image with rhinestones, this extra step allows me the time to process the subject matter for myself.

Where do you find inspiration?

I drawn my inspiration from first my own real life challenges and experiences and then from the experiences of others in my community. I know the feelings and struggles I have faced are not unique to myself so I hope others can feel seen in my work . Visually I draw inspiration from things that have always been of interest to me , fashion, mid century architecture, classic movies , old Hollywood glamour, photography, all mixed in with an element of medical representation.

What would you do with $25,000?

I think I would start with buying some art supplies ect to create more work, to expand on some things. I also think I would maybe seek an opportunity to put together a show for a large grouping of work.

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