The Santa Fe Community Gallery announced on May 29 a call for submissions for its upcoming exhibition, ‘Death Becomes Us: New Mexico Art for the Afterlife.’ The show will explore how artists in New Mexico interpret themes of mortality, spirituality, and the unknown through creative expression. Both emerging and established artists working in or rooted in New Mexico are encouraged to apply.
According to the gallery’s guidelines, priority consideration will be given to work that is culturally specific to New Mexico and the Southwest. However, artwork from other traditions is also eligible. The gallery emphasized that due to New Mexico’s history of commodification, artists should be culturally aware and conscientious about their use of iconography and symbolism.
Submissions are welcomed across various media including painting, sculpture, collage, film, new media, drawings, prints such as engraving or woodblock, photography, video art, digital art, folk arts, fiber arts, metalwork, and handmade jewelry. Proposals for programming like talks or workshops during the exhibition run are also invited. All submitted artwork must be ready to install—two-dimensional works must be wired on the back—and delivered on October 15 or 16. Three-dimensional pieces should not exceed 30 pounds.
Key dates include an application opening date of May 20; a submission deadline of September 1; selection announcements on October 1; delivery dates on October 15 and 16; an opening reception scheduled for Thursday, October 29 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; exhibition dates running from October 29 through December 12; and artwork pickup set for December 15 and 16.
The curatorial statement outlines that the exhibition seeks creative work rooted in New Mexico’s deep cultural heritage—including descansos (roadside memorials), historic sites and generational practices—as well as modern interpretations informed by regional artistic influences spanning from time immemorial to today. The statement adds that ‘Death Becomes Us makes space for the myriad ways cultures and artists across New Mexico explore the realities and mysteries of life, death, and the transition between them.’
Interested artists can apply via Jotform as indicated by the City of Santa Fe.
