From shadowy figures to gnarly 80s throwbacks, this week’s roundup has a little something for everyone.
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Big hair, electric neons, and even E.T.: the 80s were a unique era that somehow culminated in wild extremes. The debut of pop culture powerhouses like MTV and the early internet stood in stark contrast to the AIDS epidemic and controversial Reaganomics, highlighting the deep complexities that were emerging in an increasingly globalized world. It was a wild time!
And in this Open Call, curator Lauren Grace was thrilled to explore works that thoroughly capture the essence of the 80s. Leaning into themes of nostalgia and familiar visual cues from the era (corded telephones, anyone?), join her as she shares her recent winners for this gnarly art competition.
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Rewind To The Eighties: 1980s Art Competition
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Katie Nicholls’ sentimental artworks transport viewers to a whimsical journey through the nostalgic relics of the 1980s. With a blend of colors and detail, the pieces in her collection breathe life into iconic elements like corded telephones, Lite-Brite, My Little Pony, McDonald’s characters, painted clowns, and roller skates. So fun! Through her unique perspective, Katie celebrates the cherished memories of the era, weaving together a tapestry of sentimentality that resonates with audiences of all generations. I so enjoyed stepping into her vibrant world and relishing the joyous echoes of a bygone era, rekindling the magic of childhood and embracing the timeless allure of the ’80s.
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“Originally created for commercial purposes, this delightful series of ET illustrations showcases the artist’s unique journey while capturing a nostalgic sense of joy, innocence, and playful imagination. I found it fascinating and fun that these were originally intended for use on wrapping paper and tape when originally created in the 1980s! These caught my eye immediately when judging this open call as they beautifully blend warmth and vibrancy, intriguing viewers with their unique charm.”
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Helen Dearnley’s imaginative crossover of Stranger Things and Ah-Ha’s ‘Take On Me,’ transports viewers to a retro-futuristic realm and, in my opinion, was an ingenious way to fuse current interests with nostalgia of the past! These works pay homage to the iconic pop culture of the era and made for such a fun addition to the 1980s open call!
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Lael Salaets’ still life drawing of a white corded telephone titled “On Hold” captures the spirit of waiting, anticipation, and connection. The long-forgotten yet still familiar corded telephone not only serves as a visual time capsule but also brings a sense of nostalgia for a time when communication was tethered to physical devices. Salaets’ piece not only aligns with 1980s open call, but also offers viewers a moment of reflection on the evolution of communication and the passage of time.
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Featuring a unique ability to either conceal or reveal, shadow is a powerful tool that one can utilize in order to communicate a specific mood. Unrivaled atmospheres, powerful highlights, and visual metaphors quietly emerge, revealing the power of contour and artful silhouettes – indeed, sometimes less is more. And in this Open Call, curator Kate Kelly explored the subtle dialogs that emerge when shadows are thoughtfully applied.
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The Dark And Mysterious: Shadow Art Competition
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“Lost in Dream City” presented such a refreshing atmosphere amongst the other entries. Shadows can so easily communicate a somber ambiance, but in Hajela’s painting, a patchwork city welcomes the viewer as it glows warmly in the dark.
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Something that’s always fascinated me about shadows is their ability to make some colors pop. Certain elements really come alive in the dark, and in looking at Fisher’s photograph I feel transported back to the Pacific Northwest, where the darkened skies created a backdrop for the most verdant landscapes I’d ever seen.
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Something about Syposz’s work reminded me of the alternative comics of the 70s and 80s. Can’t you imagine coming across this beautiful engraving in an old issue or Raw Magazine? Moreover, I found the artist’s comments on engraving being a subtractive technique to be in conversation with the very nature of shadows – as light changes, images and the feelings they conjure are slowly revealed.
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Diane Pribojan,
“Night“
(2020)
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The atmosphere in Pribojan’s “Night” is deeply intense, the house providing serious main character energy. This particular piece provided a starker contrast between the home and the backdrop, which I really responded to. It’s illuminated and perceivable, yet irrefutably spooky.
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We’ve been looking for you! With bigger prizes and even better opportunities, our Open Calls are a great way to challenge yourself while connecting with top curators. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take – put yourself out there and submit your best.
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We’re committed to seeing great artists succeed, and placing available artworks front and center are the cornerstone to selling your work. That’s why we created Showroom, available exclusively to our Pro members.
Do you need help getting started? We’ve got you covered! Our latest instructional video guides you step-by-step through the process, placing you one step closer to connecting with your next collector. Give yourself an edge and get started today – it only takes a few minutes.
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Messages of Love from Motor City
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Is there anything more noble than “Leading with Love”? This inspiring campaign with Neiman Marcus has been a highlight for us, and seeing artists like Tony Whlgn so thoughtfully interpret this concept has reinvigorated our passion for what we do.
Join him as he discusses his practice and captures the soul and unique character of Detroit.
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Follow @artrepreneur_og to discover new artists, expert tips and fresh inspiration every day.
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