Lumen

Verum Ultimum invites artists to interpret the theme "LUMEN" and explore the boundless notions this word conjures. In Latin, lumen means light—the ethereal muse that all artists cling to. The term may propel ideas of an emanating force that echoes the properties of light, which fills spaces, changes moods, and nourishes everything. Lumen is also the term used for measuring units of light. Artists are encouraged to enter work that is any interpretation of the call, exploring how the presence of light and dark play a role in their work or process, whether through illuminating and reflective qualities of materials, symbolic vehicles, or direct illustration of light itself. All mediums and modes of expression are welcome, from abstraction to illustrative, surreal, and beyond.

Selected artists will be featured in a group exhibition at Verum Ultimum Art Gallery in Portland, Oregon, with an opening reception in mid-May (exhibition runs through May and half of June). The exhibition will be posted on the gallery website, and artists will be featured in social media posts and an online blog post interview. All works in the show must be for sale, with the gallery taking a 35 percent commission on sales. Sale price is determined by the artist. Wall-mounted works must not be taller than 55" or wider than 48" (unless approved by gallery owner).

The competition is open to all 2D and 3D artists, national and international, working in painting, drawing, photography, graphics, digital, and sculpture. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Entry fee is $25.00 for two artworks (additional images optional, up to 6 total). Submission deadline is April 9, 2025. Artists will be notified of acceptance by April 17, 2025 via email. Artists accepted to exhibit will not be charged additional fees. Accepted artwork should be shipped to Verum Ultimum Art Gallery, 1513 SE 42nd, Portland, OR 97215 (ship date TBD), or hand-delivered (email [email protected] first).