The De(evolution) of Karen seeks to examine generational conflict through the fundamental question who is Karen? Loved, feared, and misunderstood in the public context, the ubiquitous Karen can be any woman, and every woman. How did Karen get here and what forces led her to a place of special privilege? (Or not?) Taking life (and the manager) by the balls, is Karen really a feminist icon in disguise, or, is she just a self entitled "bitch" that society heaps their spite on? By using terms like "bitch", "demanding", or "Karen", who or what are we really labelling, and how does it affect the treatment of women as a whole?  Is this racist and how do we confront these challenges?  Are we all just as entitled to her as she feels entitled to take the special attention that she feels she deserves? There are also the Karen's whose lives and names are now impacted by this moniker. Well-intentioned, women with emotions, empathy, and reason.  The De(evolution) of Karen seeks to paint a non-literal picture of "the life of Karen".  What was her past?  Where does she live?  What does she value?  What does this all look like?   The De(evolution) of Karen also seeks to empower any woman who is devalued due to stereotyping, tropes, or otherwise.

We are seeking artwork from any medium that creates the narrative of the "life of Karen" including Student, Emerging, Mid-Career, and/or Professional Artists.  Sculptural and 3D works are also welcomed to apply. Works can be edgy, political, kitschy, statement pieces, or works of art that Karen herself might create or decorate. This show is non-exclusive to any gender.

Works could also be an examination of American culture and/or values as a whole.    

The (De)evolution of Karen is part 1 of 3 of the VCG summer exhibition series on reflecting the American experience.

The De(evolution) of Karen In-Person Opening Reception will be held Saturday, June 3rd.  Other special events may be planned throughout the month. Show ends July 9th.  
 

About the Gallery:

Vestige Concept Gallery specializes in curated monthly mixed exhibition opportunities that appeal to a diverse range of artists, audiences, and buyers. Located in Lawrenceville, the new cultural heart of Pittsburgh, PA, the Gallery seeks to showcase the best of emerging and professional artist talent from across North America, and sell work at affordable prices through promotions and in-person events.  

ELIGIBILITY

• "The(De)evolution of Karen" is open to any artists over age 18, within the United States and Canada.
• Work should ideally have been created in the last three years, and must be the original artwork, ready to display.
• The specific work must not have been previously displayed in a Vestige Concept Gallery exhibit.
• Work must be for sale. (No "NFS" or deliberate overpricing)
• No Giclees or reproductions of original works will be accepted unless the work itself is a Giclee or digital print. Aside from monoprints, any print works must have an edition number (Please note this in the media tag or signature, if applicable- e.g. 1 of 1; 1 of 5, etc.)

ENTRY PROCEDURE

• Applicants may submit up to ten (10) entries. Two (2) entries are included in the $28 application.
• An additional charge of $5 per entry is charged for any additional submissions over 2.
• APPLICATION DEADLINE is Wednesday, May 17th, at Midnight (MST)
• Artists will be notified of acceptance on or before Sunday, May 21th at Midnight
• Shipped works of art must arrive no later than Thursday, June 1st.  Please factor in your Memorial Day holiday when planning to apply.  We built in extra time to account for this.  
• Please note: we adhere to tight turnaround times (2 weeks) between acceptance and Opening Reception.  Yes, local/regional artists may drop off works, but not the day of the show and no drop offs if you live more than 1 state (or 8 hours) away from Pittsburgh with the exception of installs.

CONDITIONS OF ACCEPTANCE

1. Artists accepted into the show must reply email confirmation upon acceptance, and later, be willing to provide an artist pic, short bio, and web/social links (if applicable). These items are necessary for various promotions but do remain optional. By submitting this information, you provide Gallery all rights to post the work on their gallery website and on social media, unless otherwise discussed.
2. Accepted artwork must be the actual artwork as seen in the submitted images. No substitutions. Gallery reserves the right to pull any artwork that differs from the images in the accepted submission.  Any Giclées will automatically be pulled from the show unless it was initially stated that the work itself is a Giclée or digital print.
3. Accepted artwork listed for sale must be for the price listed in the submission. No last-minute price changes.  
4. Vestige Concept Gallery will retain a 30% commission for any artwork sold--please factor this into your pricing and update your pricing accordingly. 
5. Artists are responsible for shipping & optional shipping insurance to and from Vestige Concept Gallery. A return-service (RS) shipping label must be included. Fedex or UPS only.  More instructions on shipping will follow during acceptance.
6. Shipped work must be sent in reusable, sturdy boxes and marked with your name. No loose peanuts. Artwork framed with glass is the responsibility of the artist.  Artwork with glass that arrives in broken condition may be pulled from the event if artist is unable to remedy the issue.
7. Late or damaged work will not be exhibited.
8. Art damaged in transit is solely the responsibility of the artist and shipper. Artwork may also be hand-delivered, if within range.
9. Wall pieces MUST be securely wired, framed, and properly prepared for display.  Painted edges and/or a clean edge (i.e. the edges were masked off prior to painting), are acceptable for paintings.  Sawtooth is ok for photography and small work only, that weighs less than 5 pounds.
10. 2D Work must not exceed 30lbs, including frame.   3D artists of a non-traditional nature may wish to inquire with the gallery first before submitting.  "Traditional" means works such as (but not limited to) ceramics and sculptures that fit onto a pedestal. Traditional 3D generally should not require any inquiry. (note: "yes" on an emailed 3D question does not indicate acceptance into the show)
11. ORNATE AND/OR BARN STYLE FRAMES are subject to review upon arrival, and if deemed overwhelming, distracting, or egregious in size, may be removed from the show at the gallery discretion.  Ornate, barn wood, and very old, historical looking frames should be avoided.  If your work is already framed and you are unsure, please contact the gallery and include a picture (note: "yes" on an emailed framing question does not indicate acceptance into the show).
12. Artists who "size jump" (i.e. photography printed at larger sizes than initially stated, or adding super wide matting that increases the frame size), may be removed from the show at gallery discretion.  Any concerns about final presentation on said items, please check with the gallery first.
13. From time to time in certain exhibits, the gallery may feature 1-2 artists and include their name in the subtitle of the show, below the main exhibit title.

TIMELINE

MAY 17: Application deadline
MAY 18-19: Acceptance notification
JUNE 1: Deadline for shipped or dropped-off work
JUNE 3: Opening Reception
JUNE-JULY:  normal business hours
JULY 9- Show closes and any unsold artwork is packaged and shipped back that week.

Any questions please reach out to: contact@vestigegallery.com

Thank you for your interest in applying!

Application Requirements

Minimum 2 work samples, Artist Bio and Statement

Eligibility Criteria

18+, US and Canada