Gallery 201 Call to Artist for “I” – Identity Exhibit

“Who are you?” That is the question that Brooksville Gallery 201 Coordinator Pedram Moghaddam is asking local artists to answer. And while this may seem like a simple inquiry, Moghaddam is expecting drawn, painted, sculpted, photographed, and written responses to that question that are both beautiful and thought-provoking.

The Brooksville Art Gallery At 201 has announced the “Call to Artists” for their next art show, “I” – Identity Exhibit, opening on July 14th. Submissions must be emailed to [email protected] for approval; the deadline to submit is Friday, July 7, 2023. From June 30-July 7, Gallery 201 at the Brooksville City Hall welcomes each artist to submit three pieces of their artwork created as a reflection of the self—a free-form self-portrait, or “I” – Identity.

“The ‘I’- Identity theme can have many approaches, and it will be exciting to see the artwork associated with self-identity and reflection,” read the “Call to Artists” statement. “Name your work after the inspiration. For example, you may be a figurative artist, but you could incorporate stylistic elements, preferred techniques, or clues which can clearly identify your work. This can be a self-portrait and may tie in relationships.”
All “I” – Identity pieces must be composed with an individual style and/or mastered techniques. They can take the form of sculptures, ceramics, glass, 3-D, digital art, photos, and artistically presented poems will also be considered. Artists are encouraged to name their work after the inspiration.

“Although the exhibit is called Identity, it also could have been called Inspire,” said Moghaddam. “It’s not just about self-portraits; it’s about self-reflection. Show us who you are. Inspire us with what inspires you.” Aside from creatively rendered self-portraits (Ashley Duffy, for instance, has submitted a series of photographs that depict the artist posing in four seasonal settings), collages and other forms of representative artwork also are accepted. “These works may not show a portrait of the artist, but rather things that artists associate with themselves,” said Moghaddam.

Moghaddam extended the “Call to Artists” to offer more details regarding the particulars of identity art. “This is your chance to hone into your creativity and shine, set the record straight, be bold, or even reserved by expressing the subtleties or pushing the limits. Use your individual style and/or mastered techniques to make a statement,” read the statement. “Fun pieces, serious pieces or your favorite style/era (cubist, impressionist, expressionist, etc). Just work the concept of “I”- Identity. This theme can have many approaches, and it will be exciting to see the artwork associated with self-identity and reflection.”

A wide variety of themes are welcome. Moghaddam shared, “We welcome people of all identities. People shouldn’t be afraid to show their true selves, and viewers are free to question what they see.”

Once the artwork is approved, artists must complete the entry form for their selected work. Dates for the drop off of new exhibit artwork and pick up of previous exhibit artwork will begin Friday, June 30, 2023, through Friday, July 7, 2023, between the hours of 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM. Hours outside of that timeframe are by appointment only. Student work is welcome.

The reception for “I”- Identity will be celebrated on Friday, July 14, 2023, at the Brooksville Gallery 201 located at Brooksville City Hall, 201 Howell Ave., Brooksville. The reception is from 6 – 8 pm with music and refreshments, and the event is open to the public.
Entry forms can be found on the City website: https://www.cityofbrooksville.us/…/Brooksville-Gallery-201 or FMI contact the Brooksville Gallery 201 at 352-540-3811.

“This is art for the artists,” said Moghaddam.