I create to reveal what people hide,turning silence,struggle,and memory into something you can finally see and feel.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I’m most drawn to creating art that exposes what people try to hide,quiet tensions,emotional fractures, and the spaces between strength and vulnerability. I gravitate toward pieces where light fights through darkness, where cracks aren’t just damage but evidence of survival. Working with charcoal, pastels,and acrylic allows me to build that contrast,raw, tactile,and honest. It’s less about perfection and more about truth,capturing moments that feel unresolved, yet deeply human.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in the unnoticed moments,quiet expressions, passing faces, and the emotional weight people carry without saying a word. I’m also drawn to personal experiences, memory, and inner conflict,those invisible battles that shape who we become. My inspiration lives in those cracks, where light and darkness meet, revealing stories that are often felt more than spoken.
What would you do with $25,000?I’d treat $25,000 as a foundation:secure a studio, invest in quality materials, and produce a stronger body of work. I’d improve documentation and apply to global opportunities to expand visibility. I’d also host small workshops for emerging artists, sharing resources and guidance. It’s about building a sustainable practice while creating opportunities for others too.
Vote for Ogundeji Aliu 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.
