Contemporary Realism

About the Call

Realism is always contemporary, always defining itself in relation to the world and the art that preceded it. Realism has meant different things at different times. In the 19th century, as a response to the academic and seemingly artificial nature of painting, it was defined by revolutionary artists like Gustave Courbet, who applied a naturalistic style to the depiction of everyday life. While abstraction dominated much of 20th-century art, Realism has made a powerful return in recent decades. It is a style that speaks to both contemporary and long-term questions about nature, beauty, technology, and representation. Photography, painting, sculpture, and digital media have each used Realism to approach contemporary life in compelling and new ways. Site:Brooklyn is looking for works, across all mediums, which engage and develop this tradition. 

About the Juror

Jonathan Griffin is an independent art critic based in Los Angeles. A Contributing Writer for Frieze magazine, he also regularly writes for the New York Times, the Financial Times, Apollo and Ocula. His book, On Fire,’ is published by Paper Monument. 

Dates

Call Announcement: August 29, 2024

Final Submission Deadline: October 14, 2024 11:59 PM MT

Online Exhibition: November 13, 2024 - December 13, 2024