Marialba Adames

I create art to process life, death, and the unknown, and to reflect my love for people, turning fear into meaning and understanding.

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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 Group Finalists ends Thursday the 11th of June at 7PM PDT

What is The People's Artist?

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What is your favorite type of art to create?

I’m most drawn to figurative drawing that explores the human body as a vessel for emotion, time, and transformation. Working in graphite or charcoal, I focus on gesture, anatomy, and texture to capture vulnerability and presence. I use the figure to process life, death, and the unknown, creating work that feels intimate, reflective, and deeply human.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in the human experience of vulnerability, aging, and quiet reflection. The body itself, with its shifting forms and imperfections, is a constant source. I’m also influenced by everyday encounters, memories, and the tension between life and death. My own fear of death, shaped by growing up in a family that avoids acknowledging it, deeply informs my work. Art history, especially figurative traditions, and observing how light moves across the body continue to guide my process.

What would you do with $25,000?

If I had $25,000, I would prioritize easing my student loan burden and relieving pressure on my family. Coming from an immigrant household where my parents have given everything for me, I’d use part of it to help support them financially and give back for their sacrifices. I’d also put some toward paying down loans and building a small emergency savings so we all have more stability and less stress about the future.

The Art of Elysium

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