The Concept

We all have a shadow side. An element of ourselves that exists in our unconsciousness. The thoughts, desires and instincts that are repressed, lying alongside both weaknesses and potential strengths. 

Everything within contemporary culture emphasises the visible - what we wear and say, how we act, where we place our energy. Yet many of us are neglecting hidden parts of ourselves, with the visible being easier to mend and tend. 

In our own efforts to learn and discover who we are, the shadow side acts as a powerful tool for creativity, to cultivate the hidden. 

The Exhibition Brief 

The Shade of You is an ambitious contemporary multi-media art exhibition project, surrounding the concept of 'the shadow self'.

To take part in the open call, we invite you to access, challenge and utilise your shadow side, by embracing the energetic relationship that flows between the conscious and unconscious minds through the means of creativity. An invitation to create in the flow state and with active imagination. 

In the words of Carl Jung, “Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes”. 

You, the artist, decide what to reveal or conceal through the act of making. 

The exhibition being a space to reveal a shadow side of yourself, free of judgement or expectation.

THE QUEST:  What happens if we allow our shadow side to emerge?

The Creative Response

The Shade of You invites multi-media works that are bold, spirited, vulnerable, thought provoking and uncensored, both in the context of the work and within the making process.

Artists are encouraged to consider the concept and exhibition brief as inspiration to navigate their own shadow self, including any themes that emerge that are unique to the individual. 

Although we actively encourage artists to produce new work in response to The Shade of You, work submitted can be from previous works.

Creative responses could include (but not limited to)... Photography, film, fine art, mixed media, ceramics, sculpture, poetry or written pieces, installation pieces

All art forms and creative responses are welcome.