OAKTON COLLEGE WGSS ART SHOW "INFLECTION POINT: GENDER FUTURES, POLITICAL POSSIBILITIES
Inflection Point: Gender Futures, Political Possibilities
How can those of us marginalized through gender imagine a better course for our communities, countries, and international society? What kind of better world can we grow from the tensions, trials and challenges of this one?
So many of us hear, and seem to feel, that "we" are at an inflection point. Whether it's the looming threat of authoritarianism emerging around the world, climate disaster, economic strain, endless war and ethnic conflict, or any other number of problems, it seems almost as if humanity itself is at a turning point.
We see how gender-marginalized people bear the brunt of pressure that comes with such strained times. Feminists are demonized for freedom struggles that "degrade" the patriarchal structure supposedly stabilizing the nation. Extreme right-wing groups continue their assault on reproductive freedom despite the majority of women and birthing people being in favor of preserving such rights. Trans and gender non-conforming people, trans women especially, are scapegoated as threats to children, basic human morality, and truth itself. Children's sexual and gender innocence are policed and politicized as cover for increasingly intrusive forms of censorship and state control, foreclosing on their chances to access essential healthcare and live freely as they are. The personal and political difficulties of being at the gender margins today feel unprecedented.
And yet we strive: we live and express; we struggle and connect; we make art and envision a world where living is easier, safer, and more abundant for all. Our call for submissions recognizes the long tradition of the gender-marginalized imagining and fighting for better, more vibrant worlds. We seek work addressing the current political moment and the potentials it holds for navigating this inflection point. How do we survive and flourish in our world as it is right now? Where could we go from this turning point? How do we steer toward something better?
We are looking for submissions that express life at the gender margins, especially those exploring the uneven spread of these challenges across socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, religious, ability-based, and international/global/regional groups. We are even more interested in works exploring this moment's complexity, works that see glimmers of joy and pleasure where we are as seeds for imagining and growing better worlds. We ask for work that contends with the simultaneous tragedy and hope all around us.
Entries will be judged on artistic quality and adherence to the exhibition theme Inflection Point: Gender Futures, Political Possibilities. Note: Submissions that do not directly relate to the exhibit theme will not be considered.
Where: Koehnline Museum of Art, Oakton College, 1600 E. Golf Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016, 847-635-2633.
When: The exhibit runs October 3 - November 1, 2024. A public reception will be held Thursday, October 10, from 5 to 8 p.m. Artists are encouraged to attend this special event and discuss their work with students and other attendees.
Who: Female-identifying, trans, and/or non-binary artists. Submissions must be from professional artists who have a record of professional exhibitions and are 18 years of age or older.
Jury/Entry Fee: No entry fee.
Catalog: The college will produce an exhibition catalog.
Submission of Work: Each artist may submit one original work for consideration. Work should relate to the theme of Inflection Point: Gender Futures, Political Possibilities. There are no size limitations.
DEADLINE AND GUIDELINES:
Please complete ART SUBMISSION FORM and attach the following documents by Friday, August 9, 2024.
1) Image or video of work: image should be a JPEG (.jpg) of at least 300 dpi. (at least 1 MB). Label all work with the artist’s name, title of work, date, and medium.
2) Artist Statement and Biography: artist statement and biography should be a Microsoft Word document only (no PDFs or JPEGs) and should not exceed 150 words (no résumés). Please be aware that statements and biographies will be edited for spelling, grammar, and context. Submissions without statements and bios WILL NOT be considered!
Media: All media considered. Performance works will be considered if appropriate to the space. Installations and work that the artist determines to be delicate must be installed and removed by the artist. The Museum manager will determine if works should be installed and removed by the artist.
Insurance: All work will be insured while in the museum.
Delivery of Accepted Work: All work, hand-delivered or shipped, must arrive at the museum Saturday, September 21, 11 am - 4 pm and Monday, September 23, 10 am - 6 pm. Shipped work must include a prepaid return shipping label for the artist’s preferred carrier. (Postage stamps are not accepted.)
Pickup of Work: Saturday, November 2, 11 am - 4 pm, and Monday, November 4, 10 am - 6 pm. If the indicated times for delivery or pickup are not convenient, contact Nathan Harpaz, Ph.D., manager of the Koehnline Museum of Art, 847-635-2633, to arrange a more convenient time and date.
Other Information: On the back of each piece, please place the artist’s name and phone number, title of work, year completed, medium, and insurance value. The Koehnline Museum does not take commissions on sales. Artists will be placed in contact with interested buyers.
Questions? Call Nathan Harpaz at 847-635-2633 or email nharpaz@oakton.edu
