Overview: The Art Vacancy (TAV) invites artists to submit proposals for Dirty Dishes, a conceptual art installation that delves into themes of domestic labor, emotional dynamics in modern day relationships, and interpersonal communication.
Project Concept: The exhibition will feature a large-scale sculpture depicting a towering pile of dirty dishes, symbolizing the often-overlooked aspects of domestic labor and the emotional undercurrents present in shared living spaces. The installation aims to prompt dialogue about empathy, responsibility, and the nuances of partnership.
Exhibition Overview:
What do unwashed dishes say about the state of a relationship?
This exhibition invites artists to confront the emotional residue of domestic life—the buildup of silence, sacrifice, and small acts left undone.
We are commissioning one artist—or collaborative duo—to create a striking sculptural installation centered on a towering accumulation of unwashed dishes. Equal parts social commentary and intimate portrait, the work will serve as the heart of a solo exhibition exploring the invisible labor and emotional complexity of shared domestic space.
Rooted in conceptual traditions like Tracey Emin’s My Bed, this installation invites bold interpretation. Artists may explore the sculptural form through ceramics, found materials, multimedia, or participatory elements. The final work may incorporate an evolving or interactive component, with the option for the audience to engage in a final act—destruction, cleansing, or transformation.
Thematic Explorations:
The visible and invisible aspects of domestic labor
Unspoken tensions within intimate relationships
Cultural expectations around gender and care work
The emotional weight of routine and cohabitation
Collaborative submissions from artistic pairs or couples with lived experience of these dynamics are encouraged.
Exhibition Details:
Location: New York, NY
Dates: September 4–6, 2025
Artist Stipend: $3,000 (artist fee)
Materials Budget: Up to $1,300 (additional reimbursement for materials)
Artist Responsibilities:
Develop and execute the conceptual artwork in alignment with the exhibition’s themes.
Collaborate with TAV throughout the planning and execution phases.
Participate in promotional activities and media engagements as required.
Submission Requirements:
Artist Bio: A brief biography highlighting relevant experience and past exhibitions.
Project Proposal & Statement of Intent (300–500 words): A written statement describing your vision for the installation, your conceptual approach, and how it aligns with the themes of the exhibition. This should include your interpretation of the central concept, your intended materials or methods, and any ideas for interactivity or audience engagement.
Portfolio: A selection of previous works that demonstrate your ability to execute large-scale conceptual installations.
Deadline for Submissions: All application materials must be submitted by April 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST.
Selection Process: Submissions will be reviewed by a panel comprising representatives from TAV. The selected artist will be notified by May 15, 2025.
Additional Information:
TAV will provide curatorial support, production oversight, and logistical assistance throughout the project.
How to Apply: Please submit your application materials via email to contact@theartvacancy.com with the subject line: “Application for Dirty Dishes Exhibition.”
For further inquiries, contact Sáng at sang@theartvacancy.com
We look forward to your creative interpretations and contributions to this compelling exploration of domestic dynamics and artistic expression.