According to some,  it now appears that figurative artwork has found its way from the periphery back to the center of the art world. Here at the Hilliard Gallery we have long been a voice for figurative artwork for over 15 years with our annual contemporary figurative art show, “The Figure in Contemporary Art.”  Figurative works never went to the periphery of the art world, but rather have always remained at the center or core of the contemporary artists and the art world.  So, where do we see figurative art being at today, more importantly, what place does the human figure hold in Contemporary Art? This show will continue to explore these questions and maybe provide some answers.

   If we understand figuration as a courier of certain values, codes, and as a symbol of the artist themselves, what can be say about figure art in Contemporary Art today?  The current landscape of contemporary figurative work is strong due to the way artists are portraying the figure in response to the salient topics and issues of the 21st century.  These current topics are centered over what it means to be a human in one kind of body or another. Figurative works still have a stronghold in our contemporary sphere. Figurative art has teamed up with other art genres such as abstract, cubist and minimalist art.  The blending of the two dominating forms of expression, abstraction and figuration art, is not all that we see happening today in the art of the figure. With the notion that all is open for grabs, and that no narrative is safe from destruction, we see a very eclectic approach to figure art and to art in general.

Application Requirements

The nature of figure art in contemporary art today is very eclectic and allowing for all experimentation possible. This show will feature a thoughtfully curated selection of exceptional artists whose works derive their subjects or inspirations from the figure.

This show is open to work in all media and styles.
 All submitted works must  be available for sale.

Submission Deadline is March 14th, 2022. ( If you are from out of the country we will give you ample time to get your work here by letting you know earlier if possible)
Price of artwork on submission should be the retail price of the work for the show.  All accepted artwork delivered for the show by March 30th,  2022.  Shipping of artwork is the responsibility of the artist.  Selected artwork must be available for sale during the show, and must be in its finished state. All works on paper must be framed and ready to hang or  all other work must be able to be displayed in a finished state. All artwork not sold during the show should be picked up or arrangements made for return shipping by June 6th, 2022.  
 

Eligibility Criteria

open to all artist in any media whose work contemporary artwork includes the figure.