2026 Prize Winners

2026 winner

First Place

Yixin Yang -- "Xiu Cai"

This photographic series explores the hidden loneliness and unmet emotional needs of elderly rural Chinese women, inspired by viral online figure "Xiucai." The idealized gentleman symbolizes the respect and tenderness missing from their hard lives, whose longings have been overlooked for decades.

My creation began with mapping overlapping struggles: declining health, distant migrant children, and lack of emotional support. I collaged Xiucai screenshot fragments into paper masks, showing this popular figure is only a collective fantasy, not a real companion in rural life.

I cast family members as masked stand-ins, shooting on location in real villages. Drawing inspiration from American Gothic, I used sheer curtains to separate offline reality from digital fantasy, using muted Kodak vintage tones to contrast monotonous labor and online fantasy comfort.

Completed in six months, this work combines physical collage and digital editing to create symbolic surrealism. The recurring mask embodies the women's silent emotional projections, exposing invisible loneliness beneath their unacknowledged domestic labor.

Comments from Judges

Falaks Vasa: Xiu Cai was one of my absolute favorite works, a genre-bending series that is part photography, part performance, part collage, part internet-intervention, part family-collaboration, and fully incredible. The references here are rich, specific, and deliciously mysterious. The work seems to know what it is, where it draws from, and what it's pointing to, and yet -- doesn't spell it out for you, gifts you the privilege of going on that journey of discovery yourself, and it's one worth going on. Ming Ying Hong: This piece explores fascinating content with a very intentional composition. Placing the elderly woman in the distance as the only exposed face keeps her visually in the background, which works well. My main suggestion is to make the collage aspect a bit more legible. It doesn't need to be heavy-handed, but showing that the work is composed of multiple joined photographs/digitally manipulated would nicely reinforce the idea of the Xiucai figure as a social construct. Joe McKendry: The composition is really beautiful. I would love to see more of these in the series, because I think I need to see the background woman in different setting to get a better sense of how you are presenting her. In this image, I don't get the feeling that she's lonely - she seems more in control and self confident. Jason Brockert: This piece feels too subtle for the message offered. It doesnt feel transformed enough as it sits. Katie Commodore: Fantastic concept that comes across in the image. Winnie Sidharta Ambron: The artist captures a strong sense of loss and loneliness in this photograph. The physical distance between the masked figure and the woman further emphasizes their alienation from one another. The image is strange and carefully lit, creating an unsettling atmosphere. The use of the mask is particularly effective, prompting the viewer to consider the role of artifice in concealing suffering. I would be interested in seeing this image developed into a larger series, with the characters taking on different gestures and interacting in increasingly nonsensical or unexpected ways. This could introduce an element of dark humor that contrasts with the underlying tragedy while further heightening the work's surreal and unsettling quality.

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Second Place

Dingguduo Yuan -- "Reversal"

This work explores animal abuse through role reversal. Instead of depicting animal victims, I present an infant enduring the cruelty that countless pets face. Inspired by online footage of animals exploited for entertainment, I became interested in how these videos often appear harmless at first glance. My research revealed that violence frequently lies beneath humor and viral content.

One real case strongly informed this work: a self-described dog-training streamer gradually turned his livestreams into public animal abuse. In one broadcast, he tightly zip-tied a dog’s muzzle during bathing, and the dog later died from its injuries. Many viewers continued to support him. This led me to examine how audiences can become desensitized to violence when it is presented as online content.

I set the scene in a laundromat, a familiar space made disturbing by the fact that washing machines have harmed both pets and infants in real accidents. This ordinary setting heightens the unease. Three comic panels present contrasting perspectives. In the top-left panel, a bystander watches an anthropomorphic dog push an infant into a washer, symbolizing apathy toward animal abuse. In the top-right panel, the abuser’s first-person view captures the struggling infant and reveals an unsettling coldness. In the bottom panel, the trapped victim taps futilely against the glass while the abuser films from outside, embodying complete helplessness.

Created in Procreate, the work uses comic storytelling and dramatic lighting to build emotional tension. More than illustrating a single incident, it examines the mindset that allows abuse to continue. Through this reversal of roles, I ask viewers to confront why empathy so often weakens when the victim is an animal.

Comments from Judges

Ming Ying Hong : The color palette does a fantastic job building a quiet, alienating atmosphere reminiscent of a horror film. While I don't necessarily read the hands as belong to an infant, it doesn't take away from the overall impact or message of the piece. The narrative hook is strong—I’d love to see where you take this story next. Joe McKendry: Great stuff. You're doing a great job creating an unsettling scene through lighting and color. Katie Commodore: Really great illustrative sequence. Falaks Vasa: This work immediately drew me in, made me curious. Enough is told and enough is withheld to create a sense of mystery. The subtle reference to sequential storytelling, the eerie colors, the magical realism of the humanoid dog, all add to building curiosity and a feeling of unfolding horror in the viewer. Jason Brockert: I think the first and last panel are lovely in setting up the surprise or twist of the story. The second panel seems to do the same thing as the last panel and I wish there was more mystery before we get to the final "reveal." Winnie Sidharta Ambron: I appreciate the idea and message behind these images. As a sequence, they feel highly cinematic and dramatic. I immediately feel a sense of concern and urgency for the child inside the washing machine. My main feedback is about the emotional connection to the image of the human and dog in the reversed roles, which addresses animal violence. While I understand the intention, I do not experience the same sense of empathy or urgency toward the human-dog figure. If the goal is to move viewers to pay closer attention to animal suffering, I would encourage the artist to consider a more direct or emotionally complex approach. For example, a juxtaposition of a muzzled dog with a vulnerable child in a devastating environment could create a stronger sense of shared helplessness and urgency without relying solely on a reversal of roles. This is only one possible direction, but I would encourage further exploration of how the imagery can create a deeper emotional connection to the cause. The more important and urgent the subject, the more carefully its representation can shape how viewers understand and respond to it.

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Third Place

Jiangtao Li -- "Decent"

This work utilizes irregularly shaped wooden boards and frames, combining oil and acrylic paints on canvas. I use an absurd and satirical style to depict the alienation and weightlessness of the adult psyche. The figure in formal attire is presented as if tossed about and floating, conveying a sense of bewilderment and helplessness at being abandoned and derailed from a predetermined life path through exaggerated, dark humor. His shadowy reflection in the background also points out that this amusement park-like scene is merely a figment of his imagination, a surreal fantasy. The bright spiral slide in the background embodies the eternal yearning for pure joy and carefree existence—a cherished but unattainable childlike innocence and relaxation that remains even in adulthood. The stark, geometric staircase in the foreground, meant to be a path to goals, an ascent, and an ideal destination, ironically presents a scenario where those full of hope are abandoned and derailed before even setting out. The cold, hard order of reality contrasts sharply with the illusory and distant joy of ideals. We are always caught in a state of suspended flight between the two, yearning to reach the other side while enduring sudden loss of control and exile, lingering between lucidity and illusion, between striving and falling.

Comments from Judges

Ming Ying Hong: The influence of 20th-century Surrealism is clearly evident in this work, particularly in how it constructs an artificial stage setting. This theatrical environment effectively heightens the thematic tension between adolescence and adulthood, framing the transition as a psychological space rather than merely a temporal one. Joe McKendry: This piece is absurd in the best way. It's funny but also depressing. And the composition and colors are great. One nitpick.. I think the title should be spelled descent? Katie Commodore: I wish I could see this piece in real life. I love the concept and the execution. Jason Brockert: I'm quite taken with the strangeness of this picture and the objects a position between precision and fuzziness… I think the only thing holding this back is the strange glowing head of the figure. It is so oddly placed in its tension with the edge of the slide That it starts to Undermine an already strange feeling of space with yet another way to think about the space. I just think that movement needs a little fine-tuning and slightly more clarity Winnie Sidharta Ambron: This is a striking surrealistic painting that effectively breaks beyond the boundaries of the rectangular picture plane. The combination of acrylic and oil is handled very well, adding richness to the work's surface and visual effects.

See Top 30 works and feedback from judges

Honourable Mention

Lu Xiao Xiao -- "Jazz"

Honourable Mention

Ellie Kim -- "Luminous Strain"

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Comments from Judges

Joe McKendry: Great color and mood. The piece has a ton of energy, which lends itself to the idea of jazz. But other than the saxophone, I don't get "music" from this piece. At first glance I get more of a vibe of gardening, or just vibrant life in either Latin America (I think from the lush vegetation and color choices) or Africa. I love the piece though and I don't think it needs to be anything other than what it is, but the title throws me off a bit. Katie Commodore: There is so much joy in this piece. I can hear the music is inspired by. Jason Brockert: I am quite taken by the areas of density and color. I think they are fun and moving and create very interesting color relationships. I struggle with the white space as it does not seem as considered as a shape element and its relationship to the color elements. Ming Ying Hong: The world you’ve built for this character is full of rhythm and charm. My main suggestion is to bring a bit of that same tactile quality or texture into the background. Giving the backdrop more surface treatment will help unify the character with their environment and make the piece feel complete. Winnie Sidharta Ambron: This is a very dynamic collage with strong contrasting colors. I especially appreciate that each element has been hand-printed and cut into many different forms, giving the work an engaging handmade quality. The collage is visually pleasing, with a wonderful sense of lightness and movement that connects well to its musical inspiration. My main feedback would be to consider pushing some of the imagery further away from recognizable pictures and toward abstraction. Experimenting more freely with fragmented forms, irregular edges, and overlapping elements could better evoke the chaos, improvisation, and rhythm of jazz. At the moment, some of the imagery feels somewhat childlike; embracing greater abstraction and visual ambiguity could give the work a more complex and distinctive energy.

Joe McKendry: Incredibly impressive. The gesture really evokes the movement of the pill moving down the throat. The rendering of the chin, the lighting, the attention to the transition between light and shadow, the color - all very impressive! The delicate earrings also give a really nice sense of scale - something tiny and delicate to contrast the brutal and massive feel of the rest of the painting. Katie Commodore: I love the mood of this piece. The colors, the strained pose, fantastic. Jason Brockert: This is a lengthy and somewhat horrifying image! The figure and the colors used on the figure as well as the dramatic light and shadow design is quite well done and hard to look at at the same time. I think the missing ingredient is that the shapes of dark and light in the background are not as forceful in pushing her towards the offending throat that refuses to cooperate. Ming Ying Hong: The composition does a fantastic job making the body feel strange and alien. It really highlights that unsettling feeling when the body fails to perform simple, automatic functions like swallowing. The way you've framed the figure translates that internal, bodily tension into a deeply visceral visual experience. Winnie Sidharta Ambron: The figure feels amorphous and animalistic, which makes the image particularly striking. I would be interested in seeing the work become even more animated by pushing certain body parts toward a more anthropomorphic quality. The contrast of splattered marks could also contribute more actively to the narrative while disrupting the image's stillness and introducing a greater sense of movement or tension.

Top 30 Works

2025 Prize Winners

See our Judging Panel

First Place

Axel Genova -- "Untitled"

This portrait is of my sister, but it’s not just about how she looks—it’s about what most people don’t see. I wanted to capture the quiet weight she carries every day. On the outside, she seems calm and put together, but I’ve seen the moments when she’s overwhelmed, even if she doesn’t show it. The lighting in the piece is soft, but there’s tension in her expression and posture—something just beneath the surface. That contrast is important to me. It shows how someone can look fine while dealing with something much heavier inside. I painted her not just as my sister, but as a reminder that people around us are often going through more than we know. This piece is about empathy. It helped me understand her better, and I hope it makes others think more deeply about the people they love. Everyone has their own private battles, and sometimes, art is a way to make space for what goes unspoken.

Comments from Judges

Kelly Murphy: I think this is a stunning soulful portrait with a wonderful, heavy paint stroke. You've done a beautiful job placing depth, focus, and intent in her eyes - while she looks out just beyond the viewer. The closeness of the composition pulls us uncomfortably close to her as a stranger, but it forces empathy out of the viewer through her glare. Powerful emotions. Masha Ryskin: Very expressive portrait, great use of paint and colors in the face Jason Brockert: love the relationship between portrait and background. It gives a great sense of space and light and adds to the somewhat melancholy expression. Emma Hogarth: I am struck by the emotional resonance of this work. The portrait captures and conveys every layer of the emotional depth described in the artist's statement - a rare and impressive accomplishment for a young artist. I am particularly struck by the care and directness expressed in this work. I feel like I know the subject closely through this portrait. The use of light and shadow, active brush marks and the tight framing of the face, express a complexity and closeness of experience. The slight upward angle of the eyes, looking back the viewer, portray a palpable vulnerability. Overall, and outstanding work of subtlety, complexity and power. Mariela Yeregui: I value the technical handling in this piece, but above all, I admire the remarkable skill in capturing the expressiveness of the gaze. The eyes here do more than simply depict — they communicate, inviting the viewer into an intimate exchange that transcends the image itself. This sensitivity to expression elevates the work beyond technical accomplishment, allowing it to resonate on a deeply human level.

First place winner's artwork in 2025 round

Second Place

Eva Cusano -- "Divine Judgement"

I grew up in a world both heavily religious and heavily political. However, I never desired to be a part of any religion, I never desired to dwell on the endless political struggles and conflicts that arose in America. In this piece, I sought to depict my own perspective of religion in a nationalistic America. Me and my two siblings rejected politics and religion despite having close family that were very religious. When people like myself and my siblings choose to walk away from that life of weaponized religion we’re often seen as sinners that are “going to hell”. Despite this I wanted to show that I have no fear of what might or might not happen because I chose to reject religion. I would rather walk through the flames other people condemn upon me then kneel to a god that has been weaponized by a nation for their political benefit.

Comments from Judges

Jason Brockert: I really appreciate the interpretation of a concept into an almost quilt like pattern. That feels both heavy and beautiful at the same time. For me, the only question would be how the church sits within that quiltlike space. It sits somwhat far out of the space overwhelms slightly the beautiful patchwork of shapes and symbols. That may be the point, but I wish we had more of a chance to explore visually what is a lovely piece. Masha Ryskin: This painting takes a lot of great risks.

Second place winner's artwork in 2025 round

Third Place

Nadia Bandy -- "Dreamscape"

This piece was created for a show surrounding identity as a theme. I used surrealism to explore my personal identity as an artist in this piece. I have been creating art for a long time and it has become a large part of my life. This piece was meant to depict the creative process from my perspective using elements of surrealism, with myself at the center painting the dream-like scene surrounding me.

Comments from Judges

Kelly Murphy: Really ambitious surrealism in this image. I appreciate the picture in a picture element, and the skillful play of pattern. Masha Ryskin: Good complex composition, the piece pulls the viewer in. Jason Brockert: Beautiful execution on all of the "things" in this piece. I. Think the sky is the only thing holding it back slightly, as it doesn't feel as believable as your objects do. Tucker Houlihan: Very talented. Anonymous Professor: Arch and two columns frame the composition and moves from dark to light, reading left to right, to help contain the various surrealist elements.