The Abstract Image

The SE Center for Photography is looking for non-representational imagery, though it can be from found objects in nature, man made or figurative works. We're seeking images that do not attempt to represent external reality, but seek to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colors, and texture. Black-and-white or color, analog, digital or antique processes, photographers of all skill levels and locations are welcome.

Entering Your Images  

You can enter your images online at www.SmarterEntry.com. For best results, make sure your image is 1200 pixels @72 dpi on the longest side. Images should be in JPEG format, sRGB color space. Please name your files: Abs.Last Name.First Initial.Image#.jpg (Examples: Abs.Smith.J.Image1.jpg, Abs.Jones.R.Image3.jpg). If you need help entering your images or are unable to, please contact info@sec4p.com or call 864.605.7400.

Eligibility 

All photographers may enter where legal to do so. Please do not submit images previously selected by the SE Center for exhibition within 2 years.

Fees 

$35 for up to 5 Images, $6 for each additional image up to 15. 

Members, $28 for up to 5 Images, $5 for each additional image up to 15.

No refunds for images not selected for inclusion.

Jurors 

Our jurors for the Abstract Image are Lisa Woodward and Mia Dalglish, the Co-Curators at Pictura. Motivated by a desire to create meaningful experiences with photographic art, collaboratively, they produce the gallery’s year-round programming. They work to generate thoughtful and nuanced exhibits, showcasing projects with strong formal sensibilities and depth of content.

They serve as portfolio reviewers for conferences and festivals such as FotoFest, Review Santa Fe, Photolucida, and Les Rencontres d’Arles. They also serve as jurors for photographic competitions and as guest critics for university classrooms.

Lisa and Mia have been known to finish each other’s sentences. Mia would like to thank Lisa for always having an emergency supply of snacks on hand. While usually a fan of brevity and economy, Lisa asserts that in this instance, two curators are better than one.

Exhibition Details 

35-40 Selected images will hang in the SE Center’s main gallery space for approximately one month with the opportunity to be invited for a solo show at a later date. In addition, selected images are featured in the SE Center social media accounts (FB, IG, Twitter) and an archived, online slide show. A video walkthrough of each exhibition is also featured and archived. Openings are timed to coincide with Greenville’s, First Fridays, a celebration of art, food and music. Juror selects the final number of images to be included in the exhibition. In the rare occurrence an insufficient number of images are selected, the Director of the SE Center reserves the right to include additional images from those submitted. 

Selected images must be matted and framed up to 20x24” to professional standards, white mat with simple black metal or wood frame unless prior approval has been obtained. The Center reserves the right to reject any piece not framed to our standards. To avoid shipping costs & headaches, the SE Center for Photography will print your photographs for you upon acceptance. For $15 per image, we'll print on archival paper and after the show either return the print to you ($15 additional for shipping) or you may choose to donate the image to the Center's flat file for future access to collectors. 

International Participants: Please consider using printing and framing service. Shipping International is both expensive and risky. Put your mind ease and spend the $15.

The SE Center for Photography will mat & frame your images at no charge, using our selection of 11x14, 16x20 and 20x24 black, metal frames with white, archival mats and conservation clear glass for the exhibitions assuming it will fit one of our standard mats.

Sales & Copyright

The SE Center encourages sales during exhibitions and retains a 20% commission on work sold. The artist receives 80% of the sale price.  If a print is sold it will be ordered from the photographer at the time of sale. 

Artist retains all copyrights to their own images. Artists whose work is chosen for exhibition inclusion grant the SE Center for Photography permission to use images for promoting the exhibition, artist, or SE Center and its programs, and current and past exhibitions. Images may be placed on social media for promotion and features. Artists grant usage as stated without further compensation.

Lodging/Transportation 

The SE Center does not provide lodging or transportation for artists participating in an exhibition. We do have discounted rates at the Hyatt Place Downtown. The SE Center is 16 miles from GSP International Airport and we can provide other suggested lodging options in the area.

Calendar          

Submissions Open 11/2/23

Submissions Close 1/28/24

Selections Announced 2/14/24

Drop Off or Arrival at SEC 3/27/24

Exhibition Opens 4/5/24

Exhibition Closes 4/27/24

Return of Works 5/20/24

After the Show

If your art does not sell at the exhibition you have the option to have it returned (Prepaid) or donate it to the SE Center’s Flat File. Flat File artwork is available for viewing, may be exhibited again, donated to another organization or sold to benefit the SE Center. If sold, the SE Center retains all profits of the sale. Flat File art is destroyed after two years of close of original exhibition.

Thank you for entering the call and good luck!