Defining Contemporary Abstraction: The "ABSTRACTION NOW" Open Call for Northern California Artists in 2025

The landscape of abstract art continues to evolve, inviting artists to push boundaries and redefine what abstraction means in our current cultural moment. The ABSTRACTION NOW open call is a highly anticipated opportunity for artists across Northern California to showcase their vision of what abstraction represents in 2025. Presented by GearBox Gallery, an artist-run space fostering intellectual and cultural exchange, this juried group exhibition promises to be a landmark event highlighting contemporary abstract art’s diversity and conceptual depth.

What is "ABSTRACTION NOW"?

The ABSTRACTION NOW exhibition is the 11th annual juried show inviting Northern California artists working in any medium to submit pieces that exemplify the current state of abstraction. From pure non-representational works to fluid forms of abstract realism, the call challenges artists to consider: What is abstraction today? and How does it relate to representation in a postmodern cultural context?

Curated by Auriel Garza, Curatorial Assistant of Painting and Sculpture at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), the show encourages submissions that extend or disrupt traditional boundaries of abstraction. Artists are invited to present their unique interpretations, reflecting on abstraction’s past, present, and future.

Key Details of the Submission Process

  • Eligibility: Open to all artists residing in Northern California, including areas from Fresno northwards.

  • Submission Deadline: June 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

  • Notification of Selection: July 7, 2025.

  • Artwork Delivery: In-person drop-off on August 10, 2025, from noon to 4 PM at GearBox Gallery in Oakland, CA.

  • Exhibition Dates: August 14 to September 13, 2025, with an artists’ reception on August 16.

  • Juror’s Curatorial Talk: Scheduled for early September.

  • Awards: Two participating artists will receive featured exhibition opportunities at GearBox Gallery.

More details can be found on the official ABSTRACTION NOW open call page.

Why Participate in ABSTRACTION NOW?

For contemporary artists working in abstraction, this exhibition offers a vital platform to engage with the dynamic discourse around the genre. Abstract art today is multifaceted—incorporating elements from geometry, organic forms, color theory, and emotional expression. The show’s inclusive approach welcomes traditional and experimental works alike, emphasizing creative freedom.

Participating artists gain:

  • Visibility in a respected regional venue known for championing emerging and mid-career talents.

  • The opportunity to present work judged by a curator from a major institution (SFMOMA), enhancing professional exposure.

  • Community engagement with like-minded artists shaping the future trajectory of abstraction.

  • The chance to win featured solo show opportunities, which can elevate an artist’s profile and career.

If you are exploring abstract concepts or pushing creative limits, this is an ideal opportunity to showcase your voice in the evolving spectrum of modern abstraction.

About GearBox Gallery

Located in Oakland, California, GearBox Gallery has a well-established reputation for supporting contemporary artists through curated exhibitions, education programs, and community-building events. The gallery regularly invites guest jurors from major art institutions, making its annual juried shows highly anticipated in the regional art scene.

GearBox’s commitment to a broad interpretation of abstraction fosters a rich dialogue between artists, curators, and audiences, making it a fertile ground for experimentation and critical engagement.

Expanding the Conversation on Abstraction

The ABSTRACTION NOW exhibition reflects a larger cultural interest in reconsidering abstraction’s role in art today. From exploring the boundaries between figuration and non-figuration to using abstraction as a means of expressing complex social and emotional themes, artists are redefining traditional frameworks.

For those interested in the current trends and discussions around abstract art, the Echoes of Abstract / 2025 International Art Competition offers another platform for abstraction that emphasizes the power of form and color beyond literal depiction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who can apply to the ABSTRACTION NOW open call?
The call is open to all artists residing in Northern California (Fresno and north), working in any medium that engages with abstraction.

Q2: What kinds of artworks are accepted?
Works spanning the full spectrum of abstraction are welcome—from purely non-representational art to abstract realism. The goal is to showcase varied contemporary interpretations.

Q3: What are the submission requirements?
Artists must submit digital entries through the GearBox Gallery's online portal by June 15, 2025. Accepted works must fit through a standard double door (70” x 84”) for delivery.

Q4: How does the juror selection process work?
Auriel Garza, a curator at SFMOMA, will review submissions and select works for inclusion based on artistic merit and thematic relevance.

Q5: Are there any awards or exhibition opportunities for artists?
Yes, in addition to being part of the exhibition, two artists will be awarded featured solo exhibition opportunities at GearBox Gallery.

Q6: When and where does the exhibition take place?
The show runs from August 14 to September 13, 2025, at GearBox Gallery in Oakland, California, with an artist reception on August 16.

This comprehensive call to Northern California artists reflects the vibrant and evolving discourse of abstract art in 2025. By participating in ABSTRACTION NOW, artists can contribute to defining what abstraction means in today's cultural landscape.

If you're an artist passionate about contemporary abstraction, consider submitting your work and joining the conversation at this significant annual event.

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