ANIMA/ invites artists of all mediums to submit works exploring the post- non- semi- and trans- human animal. Through figurative works, we ask how the body can be opened, transformed, challenged, or metamorphosised.

Anima:
an· i· ma ˈa-nə-mə
: an individual’s true inner self that in the analytical psychology of Carl Gustav Jung reflects archetypal ideals of conduct
also : an inner feminine part of the male personality

/We love and fear the non-human animal in equal measure, just as we love and fear the uncontrollable animal of our bodies. It’s abject, sticky, large, furry, sharp, kinky, and soft.

This exhibition is a love letter to the creatural method. Through painting, sculpture, photography, and multi-media works, we welcome audiences to sit beside the animal and explore what relationships we may uncover – with both the outer and inner animals in our lives.

Anima/ is a space of freedom and discomfort, where the human form is 

• malleable and 
• transcendent and
• bestial and
• trans and
• beautiful and
  terrifying/

Mediums:

We welcome submissions in all mediums: painting, drawing, writing, photography, sculpture, fashion, moving image, installation, etc. (please note, if you are proposing a moving image work, please submit a PDF with a link to the work and a brief description of the setup you envision – what sort of screen/projection, size, etc.)

Venue:

Arch 3.2, Hackney Downs Studios

Open call deadline:

30 July 2026

Show dates:

17 - 21 Sept 2026

Participating artists will benefit from the opportunity to exhibit in a stylish location in the heart of the vibrant Hackney arts scene.

The event will be professionally photographed, giving artists access to high-quality images of their works in-situ – a great addition to websites, portfolios, or socials.

ANIMA/ COLLECTIVE is an exciting emerging group of artists situated in and around London with an interest in the trans and a-human form. Founded by Maia Shelley, a recent graduate from the Royal College of Art, the collective seeks to spotlight strange and atypical works of figurative art and build community with likeminded creatives with audiences.

Whilst our ANIMA/ Instagram account is brand new (currently 0 followers), founder Maia Shelley's personal artist account currently has over 200 followers.

We'll be using both accounts to promote the exhibition and spotlight participating artists, and we expect the ANIMA/ following to grow as the collective becomes established.

Please note, participating artists will be asked to pay a £60 contribution to venue fees. Works sold through the event should be priced to include a 20% commission.