With intention to protect Ukrainian identity, I make art to preserve what is being lost and to illuminate and challenge society emotionally.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
My work consists of photorealistic graphite and charcoal drawings, oil paintings, and mixed-media pieces that explore Ukraine, its people, landscapes, and cultural identity. Through meticulous precision to detail, disciplined realism, and photography, I depict moments that reflect the strength and vulnerability of a nation in hardship. I create work that is intimate and immediate to connect with audiences through empathy, fostering dialogue, and encouraging accountability through photorealism.
Where do you find inspiration?My photo-realistic graphite & charcoal drawings, oil paintings, and mixed-media collaborations capture the resilience, suffering, and cultural elements of Ukraine through its people, landscapes, and cultural identity. I find inspiration in unity, and isolation within my community, that then exemplifies strength, resilience, beauty, and vulnerability.
What would you do with $25,000?Through my current subject matter, it became relevant to me that I want to explore Ukrainian culture around the world in Germany, Scandinavia, and Italy. I want to pursue a message of unity within my artwork, that no matter where we are, we are still unified by our culture, although we are varied in our placement on Earth. This project will able me to document, speak to these communities, and visually interpret the ways Ukrainian identity continues to live and evolve outside of Ukraine.
Vote for Michelle Bertelson 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.
