I create art not to represent what is seen, but to trace what disappears, emotions beyond sight, moments felt in sensation.
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 art style is a blend of realism and cubism. I like realism because it captures familiar human moments in a clear and relatable way. I combine it with cubism because it allows me to break forms, use multiple perspectives, and express hidden emotions and inner complexity. Together, they help me show not just how reality looks, but how it feels and is experienced beneath the surface.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration in crowded marketplaces where countless stories unfold at once. It feels like reading many worlds at once, expressed through movement, silence, gesture, gaze. I believe humans carry the essence of nature within them; their actions reflect rhythms of order and chaos, growth and decay, stillness and change. By observing individuals in these spaces, I discover layers of meaning that are often unspoken.
What would you do with $25,000?Winning this competition is more than a prize to me. It is a chance to write my artistic voice into history, to create work that lives beyond me and passes from generation to generation. I hold over 30 original painting concepts, each carrying a distinct vision and identity. I plan to bring more than 50 original works to life and share them with the world. This win would turn vision into reality, allowing me to create something unforgettable in the art world.
Vote for Yonas Kenea 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.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like The People's Artist, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
