Abstract Art Contest: Why More Artists Are Entering

 

The Rising Appeal of Abstract Art Contests: Why Artists Are Turning to Competition

Abstract artwork has long been a unique part of the creative landscape. It does not explain itself, is not easily categorised, and leaves it up to the viewer to feel rather than identify it. That's why, maybe, abstract art contests have been gathering more and more participants in recent years — that's the rare opportunity they give to engage in serious art discussion about ambiguity.

Hence, here we are with the perfect guide for you to know why you should enter an abstract art contest and what judges are looking for in such online competitions. 

Abstract Art Contest: Why More Artists Are Entering

Why Abstract Art Resists — and Rewards — Structure

As opposed to figurative or representational painting, where the subject matter is usually the point of focus, abstract painting never has a recognizable subject to point the viewer's attention. The whole emotional content of the piece is in the color, texture, gesture, and composition. That is the reason abstract art is hard to fairly evaluate, and that is the reason that abstract art competitions are so interesting.

There are questions that are not asked in more traditional judging situations but come up in an abstract art competition. How do you compare 2 items that have no shared visual vocabulary? Is it worth more to perform well technically, or just make it very emotional? These are not trivial logistical issues, but factors that affect what type of work is recognized and eventually created.

What Is Fueling The Increase In Participation? 

For now, a number of things appear to be coming together to make more artists consider abstract art contests a better option.

First, there is a cultural change that has been taking place in the broader culture, one that values the process above the product. Videos that show the process of creating a product, from start to finish, have become a staple for an audience that has grown up on making vlogs, timelapse painting videos, and behind-the-scenes content. This type of storytelling fits in so well with abstract work, which focuses on gesture and intuition.

Second, online submission platforms have made it significantly easier to submit. Twenty years ago, it was commonplace to send a tangible canvas across the nation (or world) at actual cost and actual risk to enter a contest. Now artists can take a picture or a scan of their piece and submit it online, and these opportunities are available to those who wouldn't have been able to afford or not been able to do the trip before now.

Third, and most importantly perhaps, the abstract art contest is becoming a viable means to create a portfolio and reputation. In an art world where success is often self-created and somewhat subjective, a respected competition gives an artist concrete points to add to their portfolio, like a jury’s endorsement, and a public record of recognition through the competition.

What Judges Are Looking For?

Consult with enough jurors and organizers, and a few commonalities become apparent as to what makes a good abstract artwork more than merely competent.

Intentionality. There is not a lot of “showing” in abstract work; what often becomes apparent is a series of decisions made in the use of color relationships, balance, negative space, and rhythm. When something seems like it's been done at random, judges will likely see that immediately.

Coherence without predictability. The timeliest abstract paintings are all cohesive and yet a surprise. There can be too much order, which can feel sterile, and too little order, which can feel chaotic.

Technical command of medium. Even if the medium is acrylic, oil, mixed media, or digital, competitions honor the tangible abilities of the artist: control of the paintbrush or other medium, thoughtful layering and planning, and confidence in hand with colour mixing.

A distinct voice. When working in such an encompassing category as abstraction, derivative pieces that appear to be rooted in a popular movement or person can merge into the background. Juries always respond to work that seems to be the type of work that only a certain artist can produce, that is, it have to be unique and creative. 

The Value Beyond Winning

To put it simply: In most abstract art competitions, not many people will be awarded first place. That's just the equation of competitive submission. However, frequent contributors often report benefits other than placement.

When you prepare a work for submission, you are forced into a sort of critical self-editing which is difficult to do at home in a studio. Deadlines create momentum. To compare one's own work to a large number of other abstract artists, whether that is done by just looking at the other paintings submitted, tends to make an artist's sense of his/her own work clearer stylistically and technically.

There is also a community component aspect that is not talked about enough. Exhibition tie-ins and many contests establish networks between individual artists. This has sometimes resulted in studio visits, shared exhibitions, or a continuous flow of feedback.

Finding the Right Competition

Not all abstract art contests are the same, and it's important to do a little homework before sending in. Some are specifically looking at emerging artists, and others are open field. Some provide cash prizes and gallery representation, while others are strictly about gallery exposure. Entry fees, submission formats, and judging criteria all differ widely, so do not submit in haste, resorting to any open call that you see.

For artists seeking to tap into the available opportunities, TERAVARNA's abstract art competition is one such contest that is organized on the basis of these principles: technical skill and originality in any style of abstract art, and a submission process which is designed for the digital artist.

It will take a while longer to define abstract art, and that's what makes it popular all the time. Competitions based on it don't clear up that uncertainty either; they just provide a formal space in which it can exist, be mentioned, and, at times, even be celebrated.