Our next open call might seem a bit niche but Heterotopias or as we are saying for the theme “The Space Between” is everywhere and in everyone, but once you start thinking about spaces in art and in society now, those in-between spaces become more prevalent, be that in the tangible world, social- online spaces, fictional, or in our own headspaces.

The word itself was once used in medicine, ‘Heterotopia’ is a term used to describe tissue, which exists in the wrong location within the body, so for instance ‘grey matter heterotopia’ is the presence of grey matter within the cerebral white matter of the brain and spinal cord. Foucault borrowed the word and re-coined it as a geographical term for spaces of otherness.  The term describes cultural, institutional, and discursive spaces that are ‘other’.

Heterotopias are worlds within worlds, mirroring and yet upsetting that which is outside. Such as ships, cemeteries, bars, public gardens, fairs, public baths, and churches. More recently Baudrillard would present digital spheres and genders as heterotopias. Museums and art galleries present us with heterotopias of time, displaced and fragmented, objects from different eras and cultures. Heterotopias of ritual spaces such as prisons or hospitals where are isolated and penetrable but not freely accessible.

Then there are heterotopias of illusion that expose that which is not within it or a heterotopia of compensation. We want to invite artists and writers to explore this theme and use it to create some exciting and thought-provoking work, show us how you interpret those other spaces formed by our social structures. 

Some good examples would be - (see the added images)

Malta’s Venice Pavilion at the 58th 2019 Biennale entitled Maleth/Haven/Port- Heterotopias of Evocation. By the artists -  Dr Hesperia Iliadou Suppiej (lead curator), Vince Briffa (artist), Klitsa Antoniou (artist), Trevor Borg (artist) and Perit Matthew Joseph Casha (architect/designer). 

Vince Briffa said, “The pavilion is really one artwork – one concept. We look at the concept of the port from three different historical, mythological, philosophical, political, and of course artistic standpoints. The Pavilion is a space in continuous flux, where we personally and collectively negotiate concept and space.” 

Or

The new exhibition at the Hayward gallery By Mike Nelson see our review here is another good example of an artist using “The spaces Between” – Heterotopias.

We want bold, exciting, and challenging work that explores the topic. We are media-inclusive so please submit whatever form works for you. We can accept films on Youtube and Vimeo. Your submission should be an exploration and response to this and be part of your current practice and dialogue.

(NO COVID-RELATED WORK – unless you can show it well as a space of otherness)

You will need to submit:

1) A good quality image of your work  - up to three images (please do not send us thumbnail images).

2) Three lines of text to explain your concept,  why you made the piece, and any obstacles you had to overcome.

3) Your Instagram name so we can tag you.

4) to apply to the writer's open call enter via our writer's open call section on curator space.

Your work will not be accepted if you do not provide the requested items. If accepted your work will be featured in the Zine, Instagram and FB for a least one month, and very likely for several. We do not guarantee to keep your work listed after the issue has ended.

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