Crowns of Glory: Ceremony and Couture though Caps, Coiffures, and Coverings

Hair and head coverings are not just part of fashion but are culturally significant. They can signify heritage, religious affiliation, political views, and more. 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.

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. Applicants may submit up to two artworks created within the last five years. Submissions should include images of the artwork(s), an artist statement about the work of art, and an artist biography. Entry fee is $30 for up to two artworks. An additional two artworks can be submitted for $5 each. All fees are nonrefundable. Jurying will be done blindly, with the juror judging 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.

Art must be at the James Wise Gallery by January 23, 2023. Exhibition dates: January 27, 2023 – March 3, 2023. Jury deliberation will be completed by January 4, 2023. All work must be original. There is no size limit for submitted artworks.