The Beauty in Madness | Curators: Praxis Directors

Madness (mental illness) is something that frightens and fascinates us all. It is a word with which we are universally familiar yet haunts the human imagination. 

Through centuries, in poetry, prose, drama, and the visual arts, “madness" has been on display for all to see.

With devastating effect, mental illness can disturb our commonsense assumptions; create unbearable disruptions in the routine of daily living; and turn our experience and our expectations upside down. And yet, it is this upside-down world view that opens a universe of unique and inventive perspectives oblivious to those from free from disruptions of the mind. (think Vincent van Gogh, Edvard Munch, Frida Kahlo, Virginia Woolf and Edgar Allan Poe)

Praxis Gallery seeks work that explores ideas linked to mental health, be it conflict or humor, fiction or fact, or any other literal or ephemeral lens-based investigation. We welcome photographic art that questions conventional assumptions about mental health or celebrates the unique perspective only visible to those who can see the "beauty in madness”. All genres, capture types, black & white and color, traditional and non-traditional photographic and digital post-production processes are welcome for submission.

Theme: The Shape of Things | Juror:  Ross Anderson

The rhythm of surfaces, lines, and values is for me the essence of photography; composition should be a constant of preoccupation... an organic coordination of visual elements. – Henri Cartier-Bresson

The term composition means ‘putting together’ or the act of combining parts or elements to form a whole - often adhering to compositional principles that make a work of photographic art more appealing or intriguing to viewers. These principles include the development of rhythm, movement, contrast, balance, unity, proximity, and continuity to create expressive and compelling compositions – while emphasizing different visual concepts.                                

Praxis Gallery seeks the submission of works of art that explore composition as a fundamental aspect of the photographic aesthetic – be it pure visual formalism or in support of thematic objectives. All genres, capture types, black & white and color, traditional and non-traditional photographic and digital post-production processes are welcome for submission.​​​

THEME: On The Road Again | CURATOR: Dallas Crow

From Robert Frank to Justine Kurland, Jack Kerouac to Thelma & Louise, the road has called out to artists. We're looking for images of interstates, blue highways, back roads, gravel roads, small towns, grand vistas, national parks, tourist traps, motels, waysides, truck stops, adventure, solitude, friendship, and kids in the back seat. Take us on a trip where the journey really is more important than the destination. If you've ever fired up a mixtape or a playlist and hit the open road, show us what you brought back.

Praxis Gallery seeks the submission of photographic art that emphasizes the significance of the journey itself over the final destination. The call encourages artists to share their unique perspectives and experiences of the open road. All genres, capture types, black & white and color, traditional and non-traditional photographic and digital post-production processes are welcome for submission. Curated by Dallas Crow

THEME: Diptych ~ Open Theme | JUROR: Sandrine Hermand-Grisel

A photographic diptych is a work of art that consists of two photographs that are arranged side by side. Diptychs can convey a story by connecting seemingly unrelated images. The use of two photographs side by side can allow the photographer to experiment with different compositions and to create a sense of balance or symmetry. The two images in a diptych can represent duality or opposites. They allow the photographer to explore different themes, narratives, compositions, and contrasts.

Praxis seeks photographic art that explores these concepts. If you haven’t created a diptych this is a great opportunity to experiment with this idea by juxtaposing two images side by side. The submission guidelines for Praxis specify that the diptych must be printable on one sheet of paper and fit into preselected matte sizes. See guidelines. All genres, capture types, black & white and color, traditional and non-traditional photographic and digital post-production processes are welcome for submission.

Entry Deadline | February 29, 2024

Notice of Acceptance | March 12, 2024

Exhibition Dates | April 20 – May 11, 2024

THEME: The Life of Color | CURATORS: Praxis Directors

Color is a dynamic dimension, defined by its three unique components: Hue, Value, and Saturation. These elements serve as the fundamental building blocks in the poetic and symbolic realm of color within creative photography. It's more than a spectacle; it's a psychological journey. Colors evoke moods, thoughts, and concepts with their mere presence, tapping into psychology, biology, and culture.

While black and white photography has its own artistic merits and has been historically significant, color photography is widely embraced for its ability to convey a broad range of information and emotional nuances.

Praxis Gallery seeks the submission of photographic art that explores the implications of color as a central device in the creation of compelling photographic art. All genres, capture types, traditional and non-traditional photographic and digital post-production processes are welcome for submission. 

Entry deadline: Mon, Feb 18, 2024, 11:59PM CST

Notice of acceptance: Tues, Feb 23, 2024, 4PM CST

Exhibition dates: Mar, 16 – April 13, 2024

Theme: Black & White | Juror: Elizabeth Flinsch

More than half a century after the advent of color film, black and white & monochromatic photography continues to capture our collective imagination. Utilizing tone, contrast, texture and shape, monochromatic photography strips its subject to only the most essential visual elements; revealing a sense of soul, substance and meaning – separate from the shifting sentiments, symbolism and cultural associations of color imagery.

Praxis Gallery seeks the submission of photographic works that demonstrate the fundamental qualities that make black and white & monochromatic photography an enduring, contemporary art form. All genres, capture types, black & white and color, traditional and non-traditional photographic and digital post-production processes are welcome for submission.  

JUROR | Elizabeth Flinsch

Elizabeth Flinsch is a photography educator, curator, and the editor of SHOTS Magazine. She earned her MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art with a focus on Studio Art and Photography. SHOTS Magazine, based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, is an independent print journal of black and white photography founded in 1986. Elizabeth curates submissions, interviews featured artists, and designs the magazine from cover to cover. Her own artistic roots in traditional printmaking manifest in her affinity for alternative photographic processes. Elizabeth is deeply committed to her vision for the photography landscape as a more equitable realm for women identified, queer, and BIPOC artists.

Entry Deadline | Wed. Jan. 31, 2024

Notice of Acceptance | Mon. Feb 12, 2024

Exhibition Dates | Mar 16 – April 13, 2024

THEME: Dusk till Dawn | CURATORS: Praxis Directors

“Night does not show things, it suggests them. It disturbs and surprises us with its strangeness. It liberates forces within us which are dominated by our reason during the daytime.” ―Brassai

Spanning two centuries, the magic of night photography has captured the collective imagination of the masses. From the infamously long exposures required by early artists to high-speed color film and the advent of digital technology, the light at night has inspired an explosion of interest among contemporary artists. Natural vistas, celestial bodies, urban landscapes,­­­ artificial structures, and nocturnal interludes represent but a few of the limitless subjects of nighttime photography.

Praxis Gallery seeks the submission of photographic works that explore the fundamental qualities that make night photography­ – from dusk to dawn – a compelling contemporary art form. All genres, capture types, black & white and color, traditional and non-traditional photographic and digital post-production processes are welcome for submission.

Application link: https://www.praxisphotocenter.org/submission-guidelines

Through the visual representation of abandoned spaces, artifacts of history are at once new but decayed, ancient yet fresh. The past takes on new life in these forsaken, ruined, or empty spaces as we wonder, Who were the people who lived and worked here? What were their lives like? What were their stories? Where did they go?

Praxis Gallery seeks the submission of photographic art that explores the visual and social significance of what is left behind, in which crumbling factories, derelict churches, private homes, and other empty places serve as the basis for creative investigation. All genres, capture types, color and black & white, traditional, and non-traditional photographic and digital post-production processes are welcome for submission.