Richard Ellis

I create to expose what people hide—love, guilt, distance. The truth sits in behavior, not words, and I chase it frame by frame.

Currently 5th

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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 the Top 15 ends Thursday the 21st of May at 7PM PDT

What is The People's Artist?

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What is your favorite type of art to create?

Character-driven films rooted in realism—stories that live in behavior, subtext, and small human moments. I’m drawn to layered relationships, especially within families, where tension, humor, and love coexist. I like work that feels observed rather than performed, where the camera captures truth instead of announcing it.

Where do you find inspiration?

From real people and lived moments—conversations, gestures, and the rhythm of everyday life. I’m drawn to the small details that reveal connection. Music, photography, and close observation of how people interact all feed into the work.

What would you do with $25,000?

I’d use the $25,000 to create Still Lives Through as both a short film and a connected photographic series. Shot on 35mm, the film follows an 82-year-old photographer confronting a lifetime of distance while trying to reconnect with his daughter. Alongside it, I’d capture medium format stills that expand the story beyond the frame. The goal is to exhibit both together—film and photography—creating a unified, immersive experience.

The Art of Elysium

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