] G A Z E [ Contemporary Art Space Exhibition Open Call

] G A Z E [ is a non-profit artist-led contemporary art space within a domestic setting, providing a diverse platform for artistic experimentation and emerging interdisciplinary practices.

‘In what senses, then, is gender an act? As in other ritual social dramas, the action of gender requires a performance that is repeated. This repetition is at once a reenactment and reexperiencing of a set of meanings already socially established.’ Butler 1990: 191

To explore social and political concerns regarding gender identity and the idea of gender as inherently performic. To transgress from the prescribed patriarchal femininity and masculinity and challenge societal gender norms. To be liberated from the narrow framework of patriarchal governance; to free our thinking from the confines of binarism and categorisation. Judith Butler describes the reality of gender as, ‘Gender reality is created through sustained social performances means that the very notions of an essential sex, a true or abiding masculinity or femininity, are also constituted as part of the strategy by which the performative aspect of gender is concealed’ Butler 1988: 528. The idea that the body can be acted upon and coerced by external forces must be disrupted to reframe the body as active and autonomous. How can a failure to repeat these social performances expose and reveal gender identity as a fragile construction? How can the repeated acts of masculinity and femininity be disrupted to reveal the artifice within those actions? By what methods is a non dichotomous understanding of the body possible?

We invite submissions exploring gender identity, categorisation, binarism and performativity for exhibition at ] G A Z E [ contemporary art space. Artists working in sculpture, installation, performance and film are welcome to apply with current or new work. We particularly welcome submissions from artists who are currently underrepresented in the contemporary art sector. We are keen to include the voices of artists which are not currently represented in this particular region.

Please send images, description of works and CV to theresabradbury@gmail.com

Closing date for submissions – 16th July 2021

Exhibition dates – 7th August – 4th September 2021