EXHIBTION CONCEPT

The James Wise Gallery at Norfolk State University is conducting a Call to Artists for the exhibition Black Prometheus: The Legacy of Jacob Lawrence and Global Modernist Art of the mid-twentieth Century. We are proud to organize this show in collaboration with the Chrysler Museum of Art’s exhibition of Black Orpheus: Jacob Lawrence & The Mbari Club. In addition to the exhibition at the gallery, we will be hosting several events with the Chrysler, including a MarketPlace night and a Mbari night. Both nights will feature dancers, fashion, food, vendors, and activities.

Although perhaps best known for his Great Migration series (1940-1941), Jacob Lawrence’s significance to the art world is not relegated to his work surrounding the Harlem Renaissance. In 1962 and 1964, Lawrence travelled to Africa, where he experienced the culture, art, and literature of post-independence Nigeria while working alongside members of the Mbari Artists & Writers Club. Artists like these sought to move beyond the Western and Eurocentric artistic emphasis by integrating diverse cultures from around the world, blending styles and traditions. As such, the artists who will be included in Black Prometheus: The Legacy of Jacob Lawrence and Global Modernist Art of the Mid-Twentieth Century should reveal the influence of post-colonialism and the globalization of the modern world during the mid-twentieth century.

Submissions for the James Wise Gallery's Black Prometheus should be inspired by the work of Jacob Lawrence, the Mbari Artists & Writers Club, or modernist artists from around the world. This can be through style, explorations of similar sociopolitical issues, cultural identities, or art practices during the post-colonial era.

This exhibition is open to artists worldwide of all mediums, including but not limited to various styles of drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, fiber, and mixed media. We invite applicants to submit up to two artworks created within the last two years. Submissions should include images of the artwork(s), an artist statement about the work of art, and an artist biography.

Eligibility: International

State: Virginia

Fee: $25

Entry Deadline: September 30

Jury deliberation done by October 4.

Art must be at the James Wise Gallery by October 18.

Exhibition Dates: October 21 – November 23

Jurying in this show will be done blindly (the juror will judge solely based on the image of the submitted artwork without knowing the identity of the artist). 

Awards with monetary prizes will include: Best of Show, First Place, Second Place, Third Place, and Honorable Mention. 

Application Requirements

APPLICATIONS

• Entries will only be accepted through the CaFE online system.
• The deadline for entries is September 23, 2022 at midnight MNT.
• Please only upload videos if you are submitting video art.
• The entry fee is $25 for up to two artworks. An additional two artworks can be submitted for $5 each. All fees are nonrefundable.

Submissions must include the following:

1. Artist’s full name
2. Artist Statement about the artwork
3. Artist Biography

ARTWORK REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH ARTWORK

• Title of the artwork
• Medium & Substrate
• Technique
• Dimensions (height x width x depth)
• Year Completed
• Price in USD

The entrant gives permission to the James Wise Gallery to: (1) use images of the artist and their artwork for promotional purposes; and (2) retain their contact information for future marketing and informational purposes.

All work must be original and created within the past five years unless done in the mid-twentieth century.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility: International

Style: All styles are welcome.

Size: There is no size limit for submitted artworks.