Decagon Gallery
“There are moments when a door opens
and lets the future in.” — Graham Greene
Portal
At the Edge of Becoming
Submission Deadline: April 30, 2026
Online Exhibition: May 20 – July 20, 2026
Curated by Teona Machavariani / Curator of Artistic Programs
Location: Decagon Gallery — Online | Global Audience
Deadline: xxxx
CALL FOR ENTRY — PORTAL:
At the Edge of Becoming
It is a moment of crossing—between past and future, certainty and doubt, inner life and outer world. A portal can be physical or imagined, monumental or nearly invisible. It can be a place, a choice, a realization, or a quiet shift that alters everything.
PORTAL invites photographers to explore thresholds in the broadest sense. We welcome images that depict literal passageways—doors, windows, corridors, gates, tunnels—but also photographs that suggest emotional, psychological, or spiritual crossings. Images that speak to new directions, decisive moments, internal turning points, memory, loss, hope, or transformation are especially encouraged.
This exhibition values introspection as much as observation. Submissions may be cinematic or minimal, symbolic or documentary, constructed or found. What matters is not how obvious the portal appears, but how powerfully the photograph suggests a transition—an after implied by a before.
We are looking for work that asks questions rather than answers them.
Where does this lead?
What is being left behind?
What has already changed?
Who Should Submit
This call is a strong fit for photographers whose work lingers at the edge of change.
You should consider submitting if your images explore thresholds—seen or unseen—and if your work tends to suggest meaning rather than explain it. Both literal and metaphorical interpretations are welcome. A door, a window, or a road may function as a portal, but so might a shadow, a gesture, or a moment of stillness that signals an inner crossing.
If your photographs feel as though they are standing at the edge of something—this exhibition may be for you.
Why This Exhibition Matters
In a time of constant movement and uncertainty, thresholds have become part of daily life.
PORTAL offers a space to slow down and reflect on the moments where change actually happens—not always loudly, but deeply.
This exhibition is about awareness: the pause before a decision, the weight of what is left behind, and the quiet anticipation of what lies ahead. By bringing together photographs that engage with transition in personal and poetic ways, PORTALS creates a shared space for reflection—one that mirrors the inner crossings we all experience.
What You’ll Receive
Professional Curatorial Engagement
Every selected image will receive thoughtful curatorial notes that speak to your vision and approach — a rare opportunity for meaningful feedback.
Global Visibility & Promotion
Selected work will be featured in our online exhibition, exhibition catalog (print + digital), and showcased via Decagon’s newsletters, press channels, and social platforms — reaching audiences across continents.
Cash Awards & Solo Spotlight
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First Place: $500 plus a solo online exhibition
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Second Place: $300
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Third Place: $200
Additional juror awards and honorable mentions also receive free catalog inclusion. -
No Shipping • No Borders
This fully online exhibition eliminates logistical barriers for international artists.
Key Dates
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Deadline: April 30
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Notification of Acceptance: May 20
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Exhibition Launch: May 20— July 20
Submission Details
Entry Fees
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$10 for one image or $25 for four images
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$5 for each additional image (entries 5–8)
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Two additional free entries (entries 9–10) when the first eight are submitted
How to Prepare Your Files
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JPEG or JPG only
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Minimum 2100 px on the longest side
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Max file size: 4 MB
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Name each file:
"FirstName-LastName_title.jpg"
