Art lets me turn light, emotion, and identity into something seen—so others feel less alone in their own story.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I create paintings and photographs that explore light, identity, and emotional presence. My work is influenced by my background in architectural lighting, so I’m always thinking about how light reveals truth—both physically and emotionally. Lately, I’ve been focused on portraiture and human-centered work that captures subtle shifts in feeling, energy, and connection.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in the quiet moments—light moving across a wall, the expression someone doesn’t realize they’re holding, the tension between who we are and who we’re becoming. My Mexican American identity, my work in lighting design, and my personal growth all shape what I create. I’m drawn to anything that reveals truth beneath the surface—emotion, energy, and presence.
What would you do with $25,000?I would use the funds to fully commit to my painting practice—creating a cohesive body of work that explores identity, light, and emotional presence. It would allow me to reduce time spent on other work, invest in materials and studio development, and bring my work to a wider audience through exhibitions and online platforms. More than anything, it would give me the space to create consistently and at a higher level.
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