We consciously and unconsciously categorize identity based on the human face. It is, for most people, their social thumbprint and emotional signpost. Inevitably the face is the ‘I’ in first person statements. As we stated four years ago when we last approached this theme, technology exacerbates people’s retreat into the upper limb of their body, encouraging portraiture on a mass scale in the form of social networks such as Facebook and Instagram with their flood of ‘selfies’. Facial recognition tools which help sort photos of friends and family based on images of their face, and video conference calling also put the focus on the front of the human head. The center of our humanity has coalesced into the mind, behind the face. When we think of each other, we (usually) start with the face first.
With this in mind we offer this call to artists for works that address the human face in some way. While portraiture is certainly welcome, this is not intended to be an exhibit exclusively about that genre nor include works featuring only the face. All manner of interpretations, explorations, and machinations involving the human face are welcome.
HOW TO INTERPRET THIS EXHIBIT THEME
Artists are encouraged to take a broadly creative view of the theme. Our multi-member juries enjoy surprise, creative solutions, and most of all exceptionally well put together visual art.
SUMMARY
FACE FIRST is a competitive international exhibition of works exploring the theme of the human face. Works selected will represent some point of view, image, or idea about the face, whether real or imagined.
This exhibit has no predefined expectation for type or style of work to be considered or selected. Submissions can range from the most traditional to the most conceptual, abstract, or experimental. The only criteria beyond excellent quality (image/presentation) is that works must qualify as being clearly related to or about the human face.
Click here for the complete prospectus and entry form.
