Indirect Portraiture / Self-portraiture without direct gaze
AUTUMN | May 1 - May 16, 2026
This exhibition explores identity shown indirectly, inviting artists to approach portraiture without literal likeness or direct eye contact. Works might include figures turned away or absorbed in an action, reflections caught in mirrors or objects, still life's made up of items the artist considers part of who they are, or sculptural works that act as a stand-in for the self. The emphasis is on self-description rather than depiction - expressing something true about the artist through absence, gesture, objects, or choice, rather than performance or direct representation.
Step one:
Read over Terms & Conditions of entry carfully.
Eligibility
Portraits Done Differently is open to artists Australia-wide.
Emerging and self-taught artists are warmly encouraged to apply. All submitted works must meet Black Fig Gallery’s professional exhibition standards in quality, presentation, and readiness to hang.
Artists must be 18 years or older at the time of submission.
This is an open call and includes current Stable Artists. Stable Artists are not required to pay an entry fee and should contact the gallery prior to submission to receive a custom order code to waive payment prior to entry.
Entry Fee - $30 AUD.
An entry fee is required to submit work to Portraits Done Differently. $30 is a per piece entry price. Artists can enter more than once.
This fee is non-refundable, regardless of selection outcome.
The entry fee contributes to exhibition administration, marketing, staffing, installation, and overall presentation of the show.
Selection Process
All works are reviewed by Black Fig Gallery. Submission does not guarantee inclusion in the exhibition. All works are assessed against the exhibition brief and must demonstrate clear intention, technical competency, and a considered approach to the theme.
Selection is based on the strength of the work, its alignment with the exhibition focus, and its ability to communicate more than surface aesthetics. Works must meet Black Fig Gallery’s professional presentation standards. Only selected works will be exhibited. The gallery’s decision is final.
Successful applicants will be notified via email periodically before Wednesday 22nd April 2026.
The gallery reserves the right to decline works that differ significantly from submitted images or that do not meet professional presentation standards.
Artwork Requirements
- All works must be original.
- No size constraints.
- All mediums welcome
- All works are assessed against the exhibition brief and must demonstrate clear intention, technical competency, and a considered approach to the theme.
- Works must be professionally presented and ready to hang (D-rings and wire preferred), or be displayed (addition display items provided).
- The gallery reserves the right to adjust placement and curatorial positioning.
Key Dates:
Submissions open: Wednesday 25th February 2026
⛔️ Submissions close: Wednesday 22nd April 2026 - 11.59pm
Drop-Off Date
All selected works must be delivered to:
Black Fig Gallery
Shop 7, Alstonville Plaza
📅 Friday 24 April
(Exact time window will be provided upon acceptance.)
Artists are responsible for delivery and collection unless otherwise arranged.
Collection Date
Unsold works must be collected on:
📅 Wednesday 20 May
Unless otherwise advised.
Extended Display Period (Selected Works Only)
Black Fig Gallery may retain a small selection of works beyond the official exhibition dates.
This may occur where:
- There is strong buyer interest,
- The work aligns with potential Stable Artist consideration,
- The piece contributes meaningfully to the ongoing gallery program.
Artists will always be notified if their work is selected for an extended display period.
Sales & Commission
Black Fig Gallery retains its standard commission of 35% on all sales made during the exhibition period and any agreed extension period.
Payments to artists are processed within standard gallery timeframes following receipt of funds. (30 days of sale).
Insurance & Care
All reasonable care will be taken while artworks are in the gallery’s possession.
However, artists are responsible for insuring their works if they wish to do so. The Gallery does not take responsibility for damaged. lost or stolen works.
Technical Support & Accessibility
If you require assistance with the upload process or experience any technical issues, please contact hello@blackfiggallery.com.au prior to the submission deadline.
If you require accessibility support to complete your application, please reach out and we will do our best to accommodate reasonable requests.
Return Shipping & Collection
Artists are responsible for all delivery and return shipping costs.
If your work requires return shipping, this must be arranged and paid for by the artist. The gallery does not cover freight costs.
Unsold works must be collected or return shipping organised by Wednesday 20 May unless otherwise advised.
Agreement
Submission to 'Portraits, Done Differently' indicates acceptance of these terms and conditions.
Step two:
Pay Entry Fee - prior to completeing the application form.
(You will need to order number from your confirmation email to complete the form for submission. Once complete, come back to this page.)
An entry fee is required to submit work to Portraits Done Differently. This is $30 AUD.
This fee is non-refundable, regardless of selection outcome.
The entry fee is per submission and contributes to exhibition administration, marketing, staffing, installation, and overall presentation of the show.
Step three:
Please Complete the Form Below
Before starting your submission, please ensure you have the following ready:
✔ At least one high-quality image of your submitted artwork. The upload field accepts one file. If you wish to include multiple images, please combine them into a single document before uploading. Validations: Supported file types include PDF, JPEG, PNG, WEBP, SVG, HEIC, and GIF. Files must be under 20 MB. It would be a great help to us if files were (e.g., “lastname_title.jpg” ) Please name your image file using the following format to assist with administration: lastname_firstname_artworktitle.jpg (for example: smith_joan_reflection.jpg).
✔ Artwork details
Including title, medium, dimensions, and retail price.
✔ A short artwork statement
(This statement will be displayed alongside your work if selected.)
✔ A brief artist bio
Professional, Emerging and self-taught artists are welcome - tell us a little about you, your practice and background.
✔ Your contact details
Including email and phone number. (We beleive the phone marketing is invasive - dont worry, we arnt asking for you number for that reason. It's litterally for ease of contact where needed for Gallery purposes.)
Please allow adequate time to complete the form in one sitting, as progress may not automatically save.
Indirect Portraiture / Self-portraiture without direct gaze.
Frequently asked questions
How many works can I submit?
You may submit up to the stated limit per entry fee. Each artwork must be submitted individually and include all required details.
Does submitting guarantee my work will be exhibited?
No. All works are reviewed against the exhibition brief and professional presentation standards. Only selected works will be hung.
What are you looking for in this exhibition?
Work that responds thoughtfully to the theme Portraits Done Differently. We’re seeking pieces that show intention, clarity of concept, and technical care - not simply visual appeal.
Can I submit work that has been exhibited elsewhere?
Yes, provided it is available for the full duration of this exhibition and not committed elsewhere during that time.
Do works need to be for sale?
Yes. All exhibited works must be available for purchase and priced appropriately for a commercial gallery setting.
What commission does the gallery take?
Black Fig Gallery retains its standard commission on all sales. This supports staffing, marketing, installation, and ongoing programming.
Will my work be listed online?
Selected works may be promoted and listed online at the gallery’s discretion.
What happens if my work sells during the exhibition?
Sold works remain on display until the close of the exhibition unless otherwise arranged.
Can I change my price after submission?
No. Submitted prices are final once accepted into the exhibition.
Do I need to frame my work?
All works must be professionally presented and ready to hang. This includes appropriate hanging hardware (D-rings and wire preferred). Framing isn’t manditory however edges need to be painted etc.
When will I be notified if I’m successful?
Artists will be notified via email prior to the exhibition installation period. Everyone will be notified by close of business Wednesday 22nd April 2026. Please check your spam folder if you have not received correspondence.
Can I attend the opening?
Yes. Selected artists are warmly invited to attend the opening event.