RESIDENT artist at The Athenaeum in Nelson Mandela Bay, Farook Mohammed, is calling on all local artists to take part in an open call exhibition leading to the Grand Exhibition event.
All artists, especially those from disadvantaged communities and even others that have never exhibited before, are encouraged to enter their artworks, of which 100 will be chosen for the Grand Exhibition later this year.
The names of the entrants whose works have been selected for this event will be announced on The Athenaeum Facebook group on July 1, 2021.
From these 100 works, another 50 will be selected by July 10 and these entrants’ works will receive a jointly signed Blue Chip Artist Certificate by Afro Arabian Empire and The Athenaeum.
Artists should be over the age of 18 years and have until June 1, 2021 to enter. The date of completion of the artwork must be after January 1, 2020.
“Last year was a bad year for the creative industry and we’re trying to help however we can.
“This is an opportunity for unknown and hidden local talent to get the platform they’ve never had before, including known and established artists.
“It’s actually more than just a platform but an opportunity for artists to have their work on display ‘immediately’ and ‘immediately for sale.’ Artists will also receive recognition for the kind and quality of artwork they have produced if selected for the Grand Exhibition event. I’d really love to see a full representation of all that the metro has to offer,” Mohammed said.
“It has been my desire to always help others. It started when I met Mark Farrow, the Athenaeum manager, who availed the space and I said let’s go big with this, so I jumped in fully to head the initiative, building it from scratch and organising everything,” he added.
Mohammed mentioned that different types of artworks are allowed for entry and not only paintings.
“Sculptures, photographs, drawings, ceramics, wood turning works created using software or other digital means, pottery and other craft works, are allowed,” he added.
No massive monuments are allowed but if artists want to include such works, they have to provide framed images of their works with details for display.
“The content [of the artworks] must be positive, educational and cultural. No obscene nudity and no violence,” he emphasised.
“However, political or social stints, comments or satire are permitted as long as they do not amount to deliberate racism or promotion of intolerance.”
For more information on the open call exhibition or entries, Farrow can be contacted on 071 684 7191. An e-mail can also be sent to: manager@theathenaeum.co.za.
