I create art to see the light and darkness of the world, to transform joy and wonder, memory and sorrow into emotions that breathe beyond me
You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!
I do not create art to decorate a wall. My work seeks to evoke an inner state. Through symbolic and often spiritual imagery, I try to transmit a memory, a feeling, or a quiet philosophical question. I hope the viewer senses something before fully understanding it, as if encountering an emotion that existed long before the image itself.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in memory, in quiet observation, and in the inner landscapes of the human spirit. It comes from moments of solitude, from the weight of history, from faith, doubt, loss, and hope. Sometimes it appears in the stillness of ordinary things. Sometimes it emerges from stories, myths, and the invisible forces that shape human life. I try to listen to those silent currents and give them form.
What would you do with $25,000?I would invest it in time and freedom to create. Part of it would support the practical needs of making art, materials, studio work, and the quiet space required for reflection. Another part would be devoted to developing new projects, whether paintings or writing, allowing ideas the patience they need to grow. I would also donate $1000 dollars to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in support of children and families facing unimaginable battles with courage and hope.
Vote for Tak Salmastyan 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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