OPEN CALL FOR ENTRIES: Flatlanders & Surface Dwellers

Flatlanders & Surface Dwellers is a group exhibition featuring diverse visual art media that explore the intimate and exotic realm of surface texture that evokes visceral, multi-sensory responses. Throughout the history of art making, the artist’s relationship with surface has been a serious consideration. Renaissance artists, striving for illusion, expected the viewer to ignore the surface. Modernists embraced the surface and made it a primary consideration. Postmodernity does whatever it feels like with surface. Now, the digital revolution has allowed viewers to “interact with” the surfaces of gadgets; but still, an illusion is all that is ultimately permitted. This leaves the curious soul of the viewer with the desire to touch, connect, cut, penetrate, peel away and expose layers. As artists, we are aware that surface is ours to manipulate, whether it is a mask of superficiality, a final layer of honesty or a cloak of mystery. The book Flatland, written in 1884, is loosely referenced in the exhibition, as it provides a philosophical look at a two-dimensional world, exploring abstract concepts of shape, line and point, and highlighting “a world within the surface.” This exhibition is curated by guest curator Lea Anderson, and artists are selected by both invitation and this call for submissions.

ELIGIBILITY

Open to emerging and established contemporary artists working in all visual media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, printmaking, fine craft, installation, digital media and video. Artists of diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Open to all visual artists at least 18 years or older. New works and/or installations are highly encouraged, and artworks proposed must have been created within the last four years. Proposed artworks will be considered within the theme of the exhibition, and must not have been previously shown in Albuquerque or the surrounding region.

SUBMISSIONS

All visual media will be considered. No entry fee for submissions.
• Submit requested materials no later than midnight, December 19, 2012
• Submit Online:
- Email submission materials (preferred) to: lea@516arts.org
  OR
- Mail CD/DVD with requested information to 516 ARTS, attn: Flatlanders, 516 Central Ave. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you require the return of materials.

• Up to 8 images of available work:

Image format preferred jpeg files, size format at least 4”x6” at 300 dpi;
3-D or installation pieces are allowed a maximum of 3 representative images per piece;
Video or other electronic media are accepted on DVD or as web-based hyperlinks for review

• Title, year, media, dimensions for each piece

• Short artist biography in paragraph format (up to 100 words)

• Short artist’s statement about the work submitted (up to 100 words)

INSURANCE, HANDLING, SHIPPING & SALES

All work is handled by professional staff with the utmost care. Work is fully insured while at 516 ARTS. Please note that artists are responsible for covering partial cost of shipping (if needed). Work in the exhibition may be for sale or on loan from collections. If work is for sale, 516 ARTS retains the industry standard gallery commission of 50%, but we can make special arrangements with artists’ galleries if needed. If work is on loan, collectors can be credited in labels and publications.

EXHIBITION PROGRAMS & PUBLICATIONS

516 ARTS will host and/or collaborate on a series of events during the exhibition, which may include panel discussions, artists’ talks, poetry, films or performances. The exhibition will be accompanied by an invitation postcard and a printed guide, brochure or catalog. It will be well-publicized through print and web.

QUESTIONS?

Lea Anderson, Guest Curator, 516 ARTS, lea@516arts.org

For more information about 516 ARTS, contact Rhiannon Mercer, Assistant Director,  rhiannon@516arts.org, t. 505-242-1445