Open Call visual artists to submit their participation in an international curated exhibition titled “Behind the Masks of Utopian Joy“.
The exhibition, with a physical presence, will take place at the Chili Art Gallery (Athens, Greece) in late February 2024 and will also be available for online viewing with the support of ARTgrID. The official languages of the exhibition are Greek and English. The curation is led by the art curator Paris Kapralos.
The exhibition accepts original artworks of any style and artistic medium that engage with the theme in any way the artist deems appropriate.
Artists who have reached the age of 18 can participate in the exhibition and submit artworks in painting, printmaking, photography, digital print art, collage, mosaics, sculptures, and video art.
Conceptual Framework. The exhibition “Behind the Masks of Utopian Joy” discusses the context and content of the sociological term “toxic positivity” which refers to the excessive display of happiness and optimism in all situations, without considering the details of individual circumstances. Toxic positivity in societies has serious consequences; individuals are forced to suppress their genuine emotions to conform to social expectations. This repression can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression, as individuals do not find space to express and address their true feelings. Sociology and modern psychoanalytic theories support the importance of recognizing and validating all emotions, including the negative ones, and offering support and empathy to those suffering in our social environment, rather than rushing to dismiss emotions like sadness, anger, grief, etc., that other people around us may perceive as “too negative.” This approach encourages individuals to deal with their emotions in a healthy and productive way, ultimately leading to greater emotional well-being and resilience when facing life’s difficulties individually and collectively. Art becomes a conduit for empathy and a channel for human connection: it reminds us above all to be human.
What to Submit: You should send the following to artistsartgrid@gmail.com with the subject MASKS:
(1) Photos of up to 2 available artworks, in separate image files for each artwork, in JPG format, with good clarity and high resolution. Please note that the submitted artworks do not serve as samples. If selected, you may exclusively exhibit the artwork(s) you have submitted. Artworks on paper should be photographed without frames/glass.
(2) Artwork details, with each artwork’s file name (e.g., A1.JPG) listed in the following order, separated by commas: Artist’s Full Name, Artwork Title, Medium and Technique, Dimensions (in centimeters, Height x Width if it’s a hanging artwork, or Height x Width x Length if it’s a sculpture), Completion Year.
(3) Your contact information: Full Name, Email, Contact Phone Number.
VIDEO ART: If you wish to submit Video Art, you can either send common video files via wetransfer and email with the remaining details, or provide a link (Vimeo, YouTube) that allows full access to the video.
Important Notes: Any clarifications, questions, or inquiries strictly related to the submission process should be sent in writing via email to the submission address, and will be answered within 24 hours. Information regarding the organization and proposal for selected artists will be provided only to those who have been chosen, after the selection process – not before. Submissions that do not include all requested information or do not follow the specified format will be ignored. Once selected, we will contact you directly via email with full information about the participation process. The submission deadline is not necessarily to create new artworks but to choose existing works that you feel represent you, are relevant to the theme, and would like to present within the exhibition.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Until Sunday, February 11, 2024.