Open Call: Image Text Language

Carnation Contemporary (Portland, OR) is accepting entries of visual artworks that make use of image and text, text as image, and concepts of language. Entries may use text in acute, subtle, or obtuse ways and may be in any format (book, video, sculpture, drawing, print, painting, performance, etc.). Legibility of text is not a requirement, and priority will be given to works that expand the ways in which text/images are used and co-mingle in an artwork. As part of this group exhibition there will be a library/reading room, which will exhibit self-published, small print publications, artist books, and poetry books.

Open to all USA-based artists. Entry fee is $15 per applicant. Submissions must include a PDF with artist name, website, Instagram handle (if applicable), city and state of residence, combined bio and artist statement (300 words max), CV (2 pages max), and optional proposal for performance works (300 words max). Up to 5 entries may be submitted. Images must be JPEG or JPG format, 1,200 pixels or greater on the longest side, and under 5 MB. For video submissions, include video stills as images and an external link (Vimeo, YouTube, or direct website links only). Provide a description for each entry specifying how the work will be displayed, including frame dimensions and hanging requirements for 2D work, dimensions and installation description for 3D/sculptural work, and display and equipment information for video.

Call opens August 19th and closes September 30 at 11:59 p.m. MT. Notification of accepted/declined works by October 21. All works must arrive by November 11. Exhibition runs December 6-22, with opening reception December 7, 6-9 p.m. Return of work January 2-6. Artists must provide shipping costs and return shipping labels. All submissions must be of actual artworks available from November 11 to January 6. All works must be exhibition ready. Works will be accepted based on quality and how they coalesce with other selected works. Note: Carnation Contemporary does not supply pedestals or audio/visual equipment beyond 2 projectors; any special hanging requirements or materials must be supplied by the artist.