EXHIBTION CONCEPT

Hair and head coverings are not just part of fashion but are culturally significant. They can signify heritage, religious affiliation, political views, and more. In this exhibition, the James Wise Gallery invites artists to consider the racial, social, cultural, and political meanings of hair, hats, and head coverings. This can be an exploration of the hijab, the power of the afro in the Black Panther movement, the appropriation of hairstyles on fashion runways, the use of dye to express nonconformity, the importance of ceremonial headdresses in different religions, gendered hair, and more. Consider how some forms of hair and head coverings have been dismissed, outlawed, or looked down upon and the reasons behind that. Artists might represent how colonizers have forced change through hairstyles and headdresses, and how this has impacted certain people groups. Think about how certain hairstyles or head coverings can be seen as a visual signifier that is immediately recognizable, such as the tonsure of monks or the yamaka. We welcome diverse interpretations of the prompt in a variety of media.

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: $30

Entry Deadline: EXTENDED TO December 29, 2022

Jury deliberation done by January 4, 2023.

Art must be at the James Wise Gallery by January 23, 2023.

Exhibition Dates: January 27, 2023 – March 3, 2023

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 December 23, 2022 at midnight MNT.
• Please only upload videos if you are submitting video art.
• The entry fee is $30 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

• Your name as you would like it to appear on the label
• 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.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility: International

Style: All styles are welcome.

Size: There is no size limit for submitted artworks.