Unstable Language Artsy.net Exhibition

About the Open Call

Our understanding of the world around us is based on language, the filter through which we understand ourselves and others. Our understanding can be skewed by governmental, media, and other institutional actors through efforts to redefine terms to forward a biased agenda, censoring or distorting facts, and framing perception through propaganda. The ultimate goal of these institutions is to engineer our behavior so that we act in ways compliant to and complicit in the perpetuation of systems of dominance and control. Saying or doing something that challenges the status quo has the potential of altering what can be thought of as acceptable. This is why societal norms are fortified by powerful systems, including threats of shaming, prosecuting, and abusing anyone who seeks to rock the boat. Paralysis from how overwhelmingly intricate and pervasive the system can seem is the intended effect. One doesn’t have to fully understand or take on the entirety of the system. Waiting for the ideal theory, leader, or revolution only benefits institutions of power and their continued domination of us. Art, as a kind of language, has the power to reinterpret and rearticulate relationships between the individual and established norms, providing a substantial opportunity to resist institutions of power and the dominant narratives they shout. Just as art enables new ways of seeing, it amplifies our voices. Art provides the platform to put us on a level playing field so that we can shout back louder. Art, as an unstable language, is powerful because it is full of potential for challenging harmful dominant narratives. If we can see ourselves as capable of enacting change, we can use our voices to disrupt today’s system. We face a future full of possibilities. It’s time to speak and to act.

What is Offered

Artists whose work is accepted will have their images posted and sold on Artsy.net in a special curated exhibit. In the event of a sale, the artist will receive 55% of the sale price, after Amos Eno Gallery (20%) and Artsy (25%) commissions. Shipping costs for sold works will be covered by the purchaser, and the artist will receive a prepaid shipping label to deliver the artwork to the designated courier.

Requirements

Only artists based in the United States are eligible. All forms of media will be considered, including painting, drawing, sculpture, digital, and prints. Submitted works do not necessarily need to include text or language directly. Submissions must be accompanied by an artist statement (maximum 500 words) describing how the submitted work(s) relate to the exhibition theme. Image specifications: JPG format, minimum 1000 pixels (width and height), maximum file size 30 MB. Include full details for each artwork (title, date, media, dimensions, price). High-resolution images are preferred for optimal online presentation. Each image should be labeled as: Last Name_ Artwork Title_Media_Size_Price (do not use " or $ characters).

How to Apply

To apply, complete the online form provided at the source URL. Submit up to three works. Submissions must include an artist statement (max 500 words) describing how the work relates to the exhibition theme. Image specifications: JPG format, minimum 1000 pixels (width/height), max 30 MB file size, labeled as Last Name_ Artwork Title_Media_Size_Price. Remit the $35 submission fee via Zelle (amosenogallery@gmail.com) or PayPal simultaneously with your submission. Submissions without paid fees will not be reviewed.