I’m drawn to creating art that feels like a mystery… something you don’t fully understand at first glance but keeps pulling you in. My name, Surej, means sun, and I’m often called Sunman...that energy naturally lives at the core of my work. I explore planetary themes, cosmic textures, and the raw power of light, creating pieces that exist somewhere between light and shadow—where celestial elements, depth, and emotion come together to tell a story beyond the obvious.

I find my inspiration in nature..its raw elements, textures, and ever-changing moods. I’m especially drawn to the cosmos, where vastness, light, and mystery come together. That connection between the natural world and the universe constantly fuels my creative vision.

If I receive the $25,000 award, I will invest it in expanding my studio and pushing my art into a deeper, more immersive space—creating larger, more expressive mixed-media works that explore the connection between nature, the cosmos, and the energy of the sun. For me, this isn’t just funding—it’s fuel. Fuel to experiment, to take risks, and to create work that feels alive, mysterious, and timeless. My goal is to create art that doesn’t just sit on a wall, but pulls people in—something they fee