Building on the creative momentum from last year’s contest, participants were asked to submit an original artwork that depicts what innovation means to them. Along with a $2,000 cash prize, Mikhailov will also see her art featured on the cover of the office’s 2023 holiday cards.
“In my view, the essence of innovation is brought through inclusivity and diversity, wherein individuals from varied backgrounds and perspectives come together to create new concepts and bring change into our communities,” says Mikhailov.
This is the idea behind her piece, titled “Festive Symphony.” The dancing figures, she explains, symbolize the beauty of diversity and getting together. It’s the chaotic and yet synchronized energy of people embracing their differences and gathering around in laughter, teamwork and celebration — a true representation of multiversity, she says.
Mikhailov plans to use the cash prize to support her university activities and pursue her passion for art. A portion will go towards her varsity equestrian team and ski club fees, and she’ll use the rest to stock up on art supplies to tackle one of her dream projects: a wall-sized oil painting with a self-made canvas — her first artistic endeavour on this scale.
“I’m overjoyed,” she says. “I was confident in my submission, but not contest-winner confident, to be honest. It’s heartwarming to think my art might bring joy and connect people during the holidays. Art has that magical power, especially during these festive times.”
