APRIL / MAY 2025 OPEN CALL

Who are we beyond our thoughts?

Does the self exist independently, or is it merely an echo of the mind’s reflections?
If thought constructs identity, what remains when it dissolves?
When we enter silence, instinct, or pure presence?

In Zeno’s Conscience, Italo Svevo portrays a self that endlessly observes and questions itself, never finding solid ground. The protagonist believes he understands himself, that he is changing, healing—yet every attempt to define his identity turns into a new illusion. Thought, rather than a tool for self-knowledge, becomes a trap—a labyrinth where identity fractures and reassembles, never fully revealing itself.

This exhibition explores the imbalance between self and thought, those moments when the self feels fragile, constructed, or even nonexistent.

We invite artists across all disciplines to reflect on:

The power of thought – If thought constructs identity, can it also dismantle it? What remains when it does?

Illusions of change – Do we truly change? Or do we merely shift between illusions, rearranging identity without ever confronting its core?

The erosion of self – When thought questions its own foundations, does identity begin to unravel? If we constantly analyze who we are, can we ever find a solid sense of self, or do we dissolve into uncertainty?

The spiral of rumination – How do nostalgia, regret, and longing trap us in endless loops?

Thinking ourselves away – If the self is merely a construct of thought, can we move beyond its limits?

The call is addressed to the following mediums:

• Paintings
• Sculptures
• Installation pieces
• Photography
• Prints

Applicants must submit a participation request containing the following documentation, 25MB max:

• Portfolio: PDF of the updated portfolio
  
• CV/short bio: An updated artist resume and artist statement
  
• Proposal: Statement (250 words max) on how your work relates to the theme. Specifying the medium, the concept, along with images, sketches or renders.
  
• Approximate Price

Applications are open from April 1, 2025.

They must be submitted by April 25th, 11:59 PM, on info@tumfirenze.it with the subject line “OPEN CALL Application Self and Thought”

• Applications are open from April 1, 2025.

• They must be submitted by April 25th, 11:59 PM, on tumopencall@gmail.com with the subject line “OPEN CALL Application Self and Thought”
  
  

• A 3 month exhibition in the premises of a historical palace in the city centre of Florence.
  
• Curatorial and technical support for the installation of the works
  
• Promotion of the event through social media channels, media partners, and press.
  
• Catalogues and price list
  
• Percentage on the sale of the artworks

• There is no budget for the creation of the works
  
• Participation is free and open to artists of all ages and nationalities who are over 18 years old
  
• Selected artists will be contacted by Tuesday, April 29th, 2025.

For further enquires, contact us via email (tumopencall@gmail.com) or Instagram (@tumfirenze)