Call for Submissions: Zozobra

Confronting Fascism in the 21st Century

Art for Social Change

Submission Deadline: November 30, 2025, 11:59pm ET

Suture Zone invites artists from across the world to submit to this online exhibition and corresponding publication reacting to the political and social times we live in.

Join a movement of socially conscious artists reacting to and documenting the global push toward authoritarianism, dictatorships and fascism and the effect it has on individuals, groups, societies and all life on earth.

Zozobra is a Spanish word for distress. The Mexican philosopher Emilio Uranga has used the term to describe a specific form of existential anxiety related to uncertainty and ambiguity, following its usage by the poet Ramón López Velarde. The term has been used to describe the feelings of uncertainty and distress in the United States due to the ongoing confluence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the political events of the Trump presidency and 2020 U.S. presidential election (and now include Trump’s re-election in 2024).

These feelings and reactions persist today across the world, where the level of anxiety is growing as western leaders are increasingly undermining democracy and the rule of law with a global shift toward fascism. The prospect of another world war is palpable.

This call is for artists to step up and fulfill their duty as harbingers of truth and guardians of cultural history. Whether from a Dada/Surrealist, punk, eco-activist or techno-nihilist perspective, Zozobra drives a voice of energy and anger, stinging the eyes of illusion and self-deception.

About Suture Zone

Suture Zone online gallery and publication, has been created to establish an archive of socially and politically motivated art alongside annual printed anthology, aimed at representation of the challenging era we inhabit.

Our first inaugural project is the initial display of contemporary reactionary art to the times we live in and the growing threats of totalitarianism and environmental destruction. Under this broad general theme, Suture Zone will call for art, three times a year and display these online with accompanying text and information.

The second part of the project is to generate a yearly printed catalogue of some of the most impactful pieces to represent that year.

Adam Strange, Sold Down the River, Digital Photomontage, 2025

Eligibility

The exhibition is open to all 2D artists, national and international, working in all forms of painting, drawing, photography, graphics, and digital are eligible. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older to apply. At this time we do not accept submissions of AI-generated content, as the current technology is based heavily on unauthorized use of copyrighted content. We also will not accept AI-derivatives, or larger works with any AI component, for the same reason.

Artists receive promotion through the Suture Zone website and an annual printed publication. The website remains comprehensive and exhibitions remain on the website beyond the exhibition dates. Selected artists also receive a personal profile page on the website.

Selection Process

Suture Zone looks for originality, mastery of medium, strong overall design and composition, creative and clear interpretation of theme and a solid, arresting impression and intention in each artwork.

Submission Requirements

• You may submit up to 2 pieces per submission, along with artist info.
• The submission fee is $35 CAD and is non-refundable. The entry fee contributes to the on-going web service fees, our team to maintain it and promotion of the site and exhibitions.

How to Submit

Please review the full details and submit your images via the online submission form at Suture Zone.

Submission Deadline: November 30, 2025 11:59pm ET

For additional information or questions, please contact:
Adam Strange
jingo@suture.zone | 519-320-1643

Suture Zone
London, ON
www.suture.zone
info@suture.zone
+1-519-320-1643

Flipboard: flipboard.com/@washound/suture-zone-v6srrgviy