I create art because it’s the one place where my thoughts, emotions, and imagination can exist without limits.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I specialize in lowbrow art and pop surrealism, heavily inspired by the grit of underground comix. My work often explores themes through distorted characters—clowns, jesters, and skeletal imagery with melting, fluid textures. I love creating pieces that feel both playful and unsettling, pushing traditional boundaries to see how far I can bend reality on the canvas.
Where do you find inspiration?My vision is fueled by a mix of long-ago surrealists and the raw energy of the punk and skate scenes. I’ve always been captivated by the 'black and grey' aesthetic and the storytelling found in Chicano LA-style art. I combine that with the 'no-rules' philosophy of 70s punk and skate culture to create pieces that feel like a fever dream from the underground.
What would you do with $25,000?This prize would allow me to take my 'abnormal' art to a massive scale. I’d invest in a professional studio and high-end materials to transition my sketches into large-format oil paintings and mixed-media installments. I also want to use this platform to bridge the gap between street-influenced art and high-end galleries, proving that the underground aesthetic belongs in the fine art conversation.
Vote for Phillip Taylor II 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.
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