Open Call For Photography And Video On “Trash” For Exhibition

“…it is now impossible to photograph a working-class apartment building or a pile of garbage without transforming them…” – Walter Benjamin

The Greek Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, in collaboration with the National Museum of Contemporary Art, is organizing an international exhibition of Photography & Video Art entitled “TRAnSΗformation, Unnecessary – Elaborate.”

What is trash?
How do we deal with this concept in our daily life?
What can it contain?
What do we feel at the sight of the elements that constitute it?
How do we react?

One answer could be given through the study of environmental problems associated with human intervention.

But is trash just that? How easily can we determine what falls within the conceptual boundaries of this word?

Despite its seemingly common perception and description all over the world, a closer study shows that it is a particularly complex and multifaceted phenomenon, culturally and socially, with many aspects of personal interpretation.

The detestable and unpleasant, bizarre and strange or cruel for someone, can be useful and manageable, even fun or creative for someone else.

Trash may create an increased sense of responsibility towards the environment, sensitivity and social action, even joint concern.

It can lead to an understanding of behaviors and the creation of a common language between different cultures, paving the way to social solidarity – something that many consider to be the task at hand nowadays.

Still, it may remain unexplained and incomprehensible, cause aversion, anger and fear for what lies outside the human microcosm.

“TRAnSΗformation, Unnecessary – Elaborate”

Photographers are asked to focus their gaze on this concern – because artistic work may open up new unexpected perspectives on the social and cultural phenomena of our life.

Trash can emerge as an object of emotion.

The selected works will be exhibited in the premises of the National Museum of Contemporary Art. The opening of the exhibition will be on June 5th, 2013, World Environment Day.

Those interested may send up to 20 photos to the e-mail below in 100dpi, 1024 pixel (dimension of the smaller side), in jpeg format, for the selection of the works to be exhibited. Upon selection, the photographs will be requested in higher resolution to be produced for the exhibition. Videos can either be sent directly or a web address should be provided so they can be watched online.

E-mail: transhformation@prv.ypeka.gr

Tel: +30.210.697.4746 & +306944836717

Application deadline: 15 April 2013.