Human Condition: an exhibition focusing on figurative art

This exhibition seeks submissions from local artists (Region of Waterloo) focusing specifically on figurative work and the Human Condition.

The human figure in contemporary art creates a deeply personal and direct impact on the artist and viewer. Figurative artwork may communicate mood, emotion, identity, and circumstance through context, representation, gaze, and position or the figure may be referenced abstractly. Artists who create outside of the European tradition can express cultural exigencies and give voice to those previously silenced. This includes exploring the expression of culturally instilled "body beautiful" standards and subversion of the Western art canon. 

Crowded life drawing classes at our local institutions and elsewhere shows us that figurative practice remains a vital form, whether dedicated to observing anatomical relationships or playing with abstraction.

Submission Requirements

Artwork:

Up to five JPGs of figurative work (file size < 2 MB). Submit high quality images or your entry may not be considered.

Due to space constrictions, we recommend submitting a variety of different dimensions.

Artist Statement:

A 200-word statement answering the question: why do you choose to work with a figurative subject matter and what makes that choice contemporary?

Bio: A brief 150-word biography in third person.

Submission Deadline:

No later than 5 pm, June 23 2026

Opening Reception:

Saturday July 11, 2026

Exhibition End Date:

August 30, 2026

(Image credit: Vincent Van Gogh, Head of a skeleton with a burning cigarette)