Exhibition dates: 10 January- 24 January (these dates might be subject to change)
Application deadline : 23rd December 2024
Open to: International and National Artists
Accepted Media: All
Concept:
Art has long been intertwined with systems of patronage, commerce, and consumerism, from the grand commissions of the Renaissance to the algorithm-driven trends of today. Yet, what happens to art when it steps outside these systems? The Unrequested seeks to examine this question, proposing a radical space where creativity flourishes unshackled from external expectations, market pressures, or the need for validation.
This idea is deeply rooted in philosophical and critical perspectives that challenge the commodification of art. As Boris Groys discusses in Art Power (2008), contemporary art often exists in a state of dependency on institutional frameworks and market systems. Groys asserts that true artistic freedom lies in the ability to operate outside these structures, engaging instead in acts of resistance or speculative exploration.
Building on these critiques, The Unrequested wants to narrate art as an autonomous force, driven by curiosity, exploration, and defiance. The call encourages artists to imagine works that challenge the normative boundaries of what is considered "valuable" or "desirable" in today’s hyper-commercialized art world.
This could include:
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Art that employs unmarketable or ephemeral materials, questioning the permanence and "collectibility" often prized in the art market.
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Experimental works that resist categorization, appealing to no clear audience or demographic.
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Art addressing taboo or unpalatable topics that resist commodification due to their unsettling nature.
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Practices that reject formal aesthetics, favoring raw, unpolished, or conceptually challenging expressions.
Guiding Questions:
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What is the value of art if it serves no predefined purpose?
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How might such art lead us into new modes of thinking and being?
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Can art liberated from economic imperatives offer alternative visions for society?
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Might it reveal new ways of thinking about value, exchange, and purpose?
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How does such freedom influence the relationship between artist and audience?
The Unrequested invites artists to engage deeply with these questions, presenting work that not only defies current systems but also imagines the possibilities of a world where art is truly free. Through this exhibition, we hope to create a platform for dialogue, experimentation, and rethinking the future of artistic practice.
Submission Guidelines:
We welcome submissions from artists of all nationalities and backgrounds, working across any medium. Submissions should include:
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Description of the Artwork: Explain the concept and relevance to the theme of The Unrequested.
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Artist Statement: Share your interpretation of "unrequested" art and how it informs your practice.
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Portfolio or Documentation: Include visual or written material to support your submission, please include size and price of the artwork that you want to submit(price range 1-5000 Euro).
Submissions should reflect originality and demonstrate how the artwork engages with the idea of art free from the expectations of external validation.
Exhibition Details:
Selected works will be featured in the exhibition from January 10th to January 24th, 2024. Artists may need to arrange for transportation of their work. Please ensure that submissions align with the exhibition dates and guidelines.
Contact Information:
If you have any doubt please do not hesitate to contat us at submission@notagallery.de
