Art Curator Paris Kapralos, in collaboration with the art gallery Alma Mater (Exarchia, Athens), invites visual artists to submit their artworks for participating in an international exhibition inspired by and in honor of International Women’s Day 2025.
The official languages of the exhibition are Greek and English, and a commemorative catalog in digital format will be published in both languages. The exhibition will also be available internationally online through the ARTgrID platform for one month.
Eligibility. Artists from around the world can participate provided they are over 18 years old.
Theme and Types of Work. The exhibition welcomes submissions of painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, collage, and digital art. The works can interact with the theme in any way the artist finds suitable.
Conceptual Framework. The phrase “Mater Mundi” (Mother of the World) has been used in various contexts throughout history, with particular emphasis in religious, philosophical, and artistic discourse. In mysticism, French scholar Guillaume Postel (1510–1581) used the phrase to describe a divine, mystical figure associated with the idea of the New Eve. In religious iconography, the Virgin Mary is presented as “Mater Mundi,” signifying her role as the Mother of all humanity. Ovid and other Roman poets did not use the phrase explicitly, but its meaning resonates indirectly in their works referring to cosmic and divine mothers. In Renaissance and Medieval symbolism, Mater Mundi was used to describe the embodiment of care, life, and love. However, in modern times, the phrase “Mater Mundi” has been redefined as a reminder of the multifaceted human identity of women. The woman-mother, alongside her role as a source of life and care, is first and foremost a person, with dreams, ambitions, and rights. The struggles for gender equality in the 20th and 21st centuries highlighted the need to recognize women not only as mothers or symbols but also as equal members of society. Efforts for equality in work, decision-making, and family life underscored the importance of the emancipation of the woman-mother. Today, the term can also symbolize global care, social justice, and collective responsibility, borne not only by women but by all people for the world’s welfare. Thus, the phrase gains a new, dynamic character, reflecting the challenges and achievements of modern society.
What to Submit. You should email artistsartgrid@gmail.com with the subject “MATER” including the following:
(1) Photos of up to two available artworks, each as a separate jpg file of high quality and resolution. Note: Submitted works are not indicative. If selected, only the submitted works can be exhibited. Works on paper must be photographed without frames/glass.
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(2) Details of the works, with reference to the file name (e.g., A1.JPG), listed in this order separated by commas: Full Name of Artist, Title of Work, Materials and Technique, Dimensions (in cm, Height x Width for wall-mounted works, or Height x Width x Depth for sculptures), Year of Completion.
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(3) A short bio focusing on your studies and art career (even if not a Fine Arts graduate), artistic achievements, etc., not exceeding 150 words.
(4) Your contact information: Full Name, Email, Phone Number.
Important Notes
– Clarifications, inquiries, and questions strictly about the submission process should be sent in writing via email to the address above, and will be answered within 24 hours.
– Information about the event and your participation proposal, if selected, will be provided only to selected artists after submission and selection—not before. Submissions that do not include all required information or fail to follow the specified format will be ignored.
– If selected, we will contact you promptly with a reply email including full details about participation procedures.
– The submission deadline is not meant for creating new works but for selecting existing works that represent you, align with the theme, and that you would like to present within the framework of the exhibition.
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
