Monica

Monica's featured painting, Urban Drought, is a 50 x 50 cm work in painting. Her practice looks at how things adapt, at the natural world, and at the traces of decay that gather in urban places.

She moved to Holland in 2007 after receiving a BFA in fine arts from California, and she teaches visual arts. Her work was shown as part of The Secret Art Prize.

The secret art prize celebrates the spirit of curiosity that drives artists to explore the overlooked corners of our world. Much like the painter whose work examines adaptation and urban decay, the prize seeks out creators who notice what others pass by—the cracks in pavement where life pushes through, the quiet beauty in abandoned spaces, the unexpected resilience of nature in the city. Each application offers a fresh perspective on contemporary life, inviting viewers to pause and look closer. The prize has become a platform for international artists working across painting, photography, drawing, and mixed media, connecting them with a curious audience eager to discover new visual voices.

For artists seeking recognition beyond the traditional gallery system, the secret art prize provides a meaningful opportunity to share their work with leading judges from the contemporary art world. Past winners have gained exhibition slots, mentoring support, and representation that helped propel their careers forward. The application process is straightforward, asking only for a portfolio of pieces along with an artist statement. A shortlist is carefully selected by an expert panel, and the public is invited to vote for their favorite works. This combination of professional curation and community engagement creates a dynamic dialogue around what makes art compelling today.

The community that has grown around the secret art prize reflects a shared belief in the power of visual art to spark conversation and change. Artists from dozens of countries submit work each year, bringing diverse cultural perspectives into a single, vibrant exhibition. Social media channels buzz with discussion around the shortlisted pieces, and the winners' exhibition draws visitors from far beyond the local area. The prize's name invites a sense of discovery—there is always something hidden to uncover in the work of emerging and mid-career artists. Staying curious remains at the heart of everything the prize stands for.