Many artists aspire towards originality: to say something that has never been said, to photograph something as yet unseen. It is a worthy aspiration; however, the creative act does not occur in a vacuum.

The work we create emerges from a well of experiences, interactions, and references, often unconscious, that we have encountered over our lifetime. In seeking to establish our own voice, the line between inspiration, reference, and theft blurs. Reference Materials explores those distinctions by asking artists to review and address their source material.

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Reference Materials opens in New York City and runs September 26th and 27th.

If you are interested in submitting work to be considered for selection into the show, there is an application fee of $25. Selected artists will be asked to contribute $500 towards the exhibitor fee; this will allow for us to staff the gallery, install the artwork, and to create an exhibition catalog.

If your work is selected, the application fee will be deducted from the remaining balance; if not, you will receive a copy of the exhibition catalog. We will be in touch with the selected artists with further details.

Submit your work here.

After submitting, please Venmo @courtesyof your application fee along with your name and email. If your application fee is not submitted, your work will not be considered.

We can't wait to see what you've got.