Theme

Breaking a taboo is less of an issue today than in the past. The speed with which societies are changing, requires constant questioning of what is considered acceptable. Taboo-breaking and taboo-creating are the inevitable results of our hyper-active times.

Globalisation catapults attitudes into every corner of the globe, and forces indigenous populations, groups or persons to respond, often in totally unprepared cultural contexts, to confront or accept new associations once unimaginable or forbidden. These conflict with traditional or deeply entrenched ways of thinking, which historically have often been held fast by taboos.

In this context, artists are in the most enviable position, being free in the widest sense, they are able to dissent and ask questions, and in their practice create new worlds which transgress the old. By exploring such issues as death, marriage, sexuality, money, racism, freedom, religion, gender, war, violence, politics, or behavioral traits such as guilt, shame, love, exploitation, forgiveness, artists can turn taboo-related themes on their heads, in subtle or explicit ways which are dissimilating but illuminating or shocking but liberating.

Works submitted can take into account prevailing taboos, wherever and however they are experienced, geographically or culturally, or give a sense of how and why transitions to new forms of consideration and acceptance are given with taboos.

Works or projects can be in any media, from performance to documentation, to installation, photography, video and painting. Works will be selected for their ability to spark thoughtful investigation on the taboo in question, as well as revealing how aesthetics can advance understanding on the subject being treated.