Call Description

Up in Smoke

Altered States, Open Minds

Throughout history, artists have sought expanded consciousness through ritual, meditation, trance, dream states, and yes, chemical catalysts. From the visionary mysticism of William Blake to the psychedelic explorations of Alex Grey, altered perception has shaped how we see, feel, and interpret reality.

Up in Smoke is a group exhibition exploring art created in, inspired by, or designed to enhance altered states of mind. This adults-only show welcomes the psychedelic, transcendental, euphoric, meditative, surreal, comedic, and mind-bending. We are interested in work that dissolves boundaries—between self and cosmos, body and spirit, logic and dream.

This exhibition is not about promoting substances. It is about perception. Expansion. Surrender. Even comedy! The thin veil between the visible and the unseen.

We invite artists to consider:

What does altered consciousness look like? How does it feel? Can a work of art shift a viewer’s state—slow them down, open them up, take them somewhere else?

This show will be shared on Artsy.com and may include mature themes and is intended for viewers 18+.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome a wide range of interpretations and formats, including but not limited to:

• Psychedelic & Visionary Art: Color-saturated, pattern-driven, fractal, cosmic, or hallucinatory imagery.
• Transcendental & Spiritual Work: Art exploring ego death, mysticism, chakras, sacred geometry, ritual, archetypes, or expanded awareness.
• Meditative & Repetitive Practices: Labor-intensive, trance-induced, or process-based work that reflects altered focus or flow states.
• Immersive Installations: Light, projection, sound, or sculptural environments that shift perception or create atmospheric experience.
• Surreal & Dream-Based Imagery: Works emerging from dreams, subconscious exploration, or non-linear narratives.
• Sensory-Enhancing Pieces: Art that may be experienced differently depending on the viewer’s state—visually layered, interactive, or perceptually playful.
• Comedic Entertainment: Work with hidden meanings, funny spins on the every day, or tell stories from the past.

Why This Show Matters

In a culture defined by speed, anxiety, and overstimulation, altered states can offer pause, insight, connection, humor, and disruption. They challenge rigid perception and invite us to see differently.

Up in Smoke creates space for exploration—without apology.

This is not a neutral aesthetic show. It is immersive. It is experiential. It may be beautiful, disorienting, euphoric, sensual, funny, or strange.

If your work opens portals—this show is for you.

Application Requirements

Submit up to 10 pieces for consideration.
Each submission must include:

• Title, medium, dimensions, year completed
• High-resolution images (JPEG, PNG, or PDF)
• Short artist statement (100–200 words) explaining how the work fits the theme

Submission fee: $30 (plus $10 for each additional image)

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to all artists 18+ regardless of location, identity, or background.
• All 2D, 3D, mixed media, photography, textiles and digital works accepted.
• Size limit: 10ft x 10ft — works must fit through a small garage door opening.
• All work must be original and available for display during the full run of the exhibit.
• We especially encourage submissions from queer artists, artists of color, and artists with different abilities.