The space was nearly empty when Realism arrived—precise, measured, certain. Moving through the exhibition, Realism nodded at crisp lines and familiar forms: “This is how things are meant to be”. Suddenly in the center of the room— absolutely radiating chaos (in Realism’s opinion) — stood Abstract: colors crashing, shapes blurring, an abundance of interpretive (but not necessarily codified) marks. As their eyes met, Realism said, “You’re a mess.” And then with some thought and excitement, “Can you help me untidy up, too?”

AND: SCENE!

So… Is abstraction messy? Is realism stiff? Not necessarily. These two traditions have always been in conversation—one rooted in structure, the other in spontaneity. Both can be thoughtful, vibrant, and full of depth. Like peanut butter and jelly, they’re totally different but weirdly perfect together.

Disrupted Realism is a newer artistic approach—a style still taking shape, which makes it a really fertile space for exploration. Blending the intuitive energy of abstraction with the emotional pull and familiarity of realism, we like to think of it as a kind of visual “meet-cute”. In Disrupted Realism, reality and real-life objects get gently distorted—blurred, broken, or pulled apart—to reflect how life feels, not just how it looks. It’s about memory, perception, emotion, and embracing the beautifully imperfect.

That’s the energy we’re channeling for this show—not the PBJ sandwich, exactly—but the creative spark that happens when realism and abstraction collide in unexpected ways. We’re looking for work that lives in that in-between space, that refuses to be boxed into a single label.

It’s the perfect theme for a season full of contradictions—hello, Pumpkin Spice Lattes and sweet potatoes.

So, show us your most realistic abstractions, your most abstracted realism—or anything that exists in that rich, messy, meaningful middle. But mostly, let’s see some pretty great art. :)

SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE BY 11:59PM on TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2025.
Submission Fee: $20 per 3 pieces of Artwork.