Art is my connection. I use monochrome to explore the silence and truth in the shadows, capturing the unseen emotions between moments.
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
My favorite medium is Black and White photography. I am fascinated by the interplay of deep shadows and highlights. By stripping away color, I can emphasize the composition, the grit of the texture, and the raw emotion of a moment. My 9 years of cinematography experience have taught me how to "sculpt" with light, and I apply that same cinematic eye to my monochrome work, aiming to create timeless images that feel like a still from a classic film.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in the contrast of the world the quiet moments between the chaos. My global background has exposed me to diverse faces and landscapes, and I find that monochrome is the best way to bridge those cultures. I’m also inspired by the detective's eye I've developed through my Criminal Justice studies; I look for the evidence of a story in a person’s expression or the way light hits an architectural detail, looking for the truth beneath the surface.
What would you do with $25,000?This prize would allow me to fully bridge the gap between my cinematography business and high-art photography. I would invest in a dedicated Leica or specialized monochrome system to further refine my craft. More importantly, I want to host a gallery exhibition for "The People’s Artist" that features large-scale black and white prints of local community figures. It’s about using these funds to give my subjects a stage that feels both permanent and legendary.
Vote for Sanjay Thevaparan 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.
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