Deadline: May 3
Exhibition Dates: May 20 – July 20

 

Portraiture often records appearance. This exhibition asks what lies beneath it.

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We invite photographs that suggest interior life rather than surface identity — images that hold psychological tension, ambiguity, vulnerability, or contradiction. We are not seeking likeness alone. We are seeking photographs that imply presence without explaining it.

Work that relies primarily on dramatic styling, sentimentality, or literal interpretation of the theme is unlikely to be selected.

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This exhibition is intentionally selective. Approximately 10–12% of submissions will be accepted. Total submissions received and final acceptance rate will be published at the time of selection.

One image per selected artist will be exhibited.

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Juried by Hossein Fardinfard

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Hossein Fardinfard is a portrait photographer whose work explores identity, self-perception, and psychological space. His practice engages themes of interiority and presence through disciplined visual language.

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Submissions will be evaluated with particular attention to emotional restraint, conceptual clarity, and the relationship between subject and photographer.

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Awards

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First Place: $500 + Solo Exhibition on the gallery website
Second Place: $300
Third Place: $200

 

Awards will be selected from the exhibited works.

Cash Awards will be paid via PayPal, Venmo, MoneyGram or check, and can not be sent to any country under US sanctions.

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Entry Fee

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$25 for up to 8 images

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Eligibility

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Open internationally to all photographers 0ver 18.
All photographic processes are welcome.
Both analog and digital work are accepted.

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Selection Process

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Submissions will undergo blind review during the initial evaluation stage.

Approximately 10–12% of submissions will be selected. Limiting the number of included photographers allows each selected work to stand with clarity and weight.

Selected photographers will be notified prior to public announcement. Rejection notices will be sent before the list of selected artists is published.

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Important Considerations

• Literal interpretations of the theme are unlikely to be selected.

• Technical polish alone does not substitute for depth.

• Submission does not guarantee exhibition.

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Exhibition Launch

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Selected photographers will be announced following the close of submissions.

The exhibition will run May 20 – July 20 on the Decagon Gallery website.

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Copyright

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You retain all rights, including copyright, to your photographs. We will never distribute your photographs without your permission