Open Call #6
BLACK-AND-WHITE
PHOTOGRAPHY
October 1 — October 31, 2024
Details
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Open Call #6 continues the momentum of our acclaimed black-and-white photography series, building on the success of Anarchyº1. This edition offers an expanded platform for photographers to showcase their striking monochrome work, highlighting creative diversity across all genres and styles.
While introducing a paid tier, we remain dedicated to accessibility. Free submissions continue to be a cornerstone of our mission, ensuring that all photographers can participate, while also upholding high standards in curation, design, and production.
Starting with this call, we will shift focus to Collective Publications, with details on a special Group Exhibition to follow next year.
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• Guest Curators – Cécil Baldewyns (Belgium), Guido Gazzilli (Italy), Joe Grant (USA), Susana Barberà (Spain)
• Book Designer – Federico Zavatta of Contrast/Design (Italy)
• Project Director – Anne Murayama (Japan)
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The best black-and-white works will be featured in three distinct ways:
Printed Publication: Our curators will select standout images for Anarchyº2, a collective photo book showcasing exceptional monochrome photography.
Online Journal: Photographers who include a portfolio link may be featured in the Journal section of our website, highlighting emerging talent.
Instagram Highlights: Selected entries will be shared on Instagram throughout the Open Call, although this does not guarantee inclusion in the printed publication.
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We’re introducing two submission tiers to cater to all photographers:
Free Tier: Submit 1 image at no cost, with a chance to be included in the printed publication (1 page only). This tier ensures participation for diverse and emerging talents, regardless of financial status.
Paid Tier: Submit up to 5 images for $10 each, with multiple images eligible for the printed publication (between 2 and 4 pages). Paid submissions help cover project expenses, support high-quality printing, and contribute to management fees.
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Allowed Submissions:
Grayscale images
Digital or film photography
Previously published or new work
Single images
Thematic images
Diptychs or triptychs (must be submitted as separate files)
Prohibited Submissions:
Color images (including cyanotypes, sepia-toned, etc.)
Images with borders
Collages
Heavily edited images
Instant photography (Polaroid, Instax, etc.)
Watermarked images
Inappropriate or offensive content
AI-generated images
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Please note that the schedule below is tentative and subject to change:
Open Call Starts — October 1, 2024
Open Call Ends — October 31, 2024, 23:59 JST
Announcement of Selected Photographers — November 2024
Photo Book Completion — December 2024
Group Exhibition — February 2025
Key Contributors
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Cécil Baldewyns
GUEST CURATOR
Self-portraiture • Belgium • @cecilbphotography
Cécil Baldewyns, a self-taught photographer from Belgium, has spent 15 years mastering the art of black-and-white self-portraiture. Her work explores the delicate balance of light and shadow, deconstructing anatomy and reality to evoke deep emotional responses. Through her lens, she invites viewers into a poetic interplay of illusion and truth, using photography as a powerful expression of love and art.
Criteria when selecting photos
• Contrast: Striking balance between light and shadow.
• Illumination: Innovative light use to structure the composition.
• Impact: Visual and emotional depth that resonates strongly. -
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Guido Gazzilli
GUEST CURATOR
Conceptual photography • Italy • @guidogazzilliGuido Gazzilli, an Italian photographer born in Rome, crafts personal narratives that blend human and natural elements. His work explores identity, fusing everyday life with poetic inspirations. Featured in prominent publications and exhibited worldwide, Guido's photography captures the nuanced relationship between humans, nature, and cities. He is represented by Contrasto and teaches photography in Italy.
Criteria when selecting photos
• Visceral: Elicits raw, powerful emotions from within.
• Instinctive: Reflects spontaneous, uncontrolled creativity.
• Revelatory: Offers profound insight through personal narratives. -
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Joe Grant
GUEST CURATOR
Landscape Photography • United States • @alpineworks
Joe Grant, a photographer with roots in England and France, now based in Colorado, draws inspiration from nature's wilderness. His career as a mountain runner provides access to remote landscapes, influencing his photography's unique perspective. Joe's work reflects his deep connection to untamed environments, capturing moments of raw beauty in nature.
Criteria when selecting photos
• Timelessness: Qualities that remain relevant and impactful beyond current trends.
• Vision: Unique viewpoint or aesthetic that stands apart.
• Mood: Successfully communicates a distinct emotional tone. -
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Susana Barberà
GUEST CURATOR
Documentary and Street Photography • Spain • @susanabarbera
Susana Barberà is an internationally renowned documentary photographer whose award-winning work has been recognized for its emotional depth and striking black-and-white compositions. Her photography and teaching philosophy, "Expect a Miracle," inspire others to see the world with passion and creativity, particularly through street photography.
Criteria when selecting photos:
• Impact: Photos that grab attention and stand out immediately.
• Emotion: Images that evoke a deep emotional response.
• Composition: Skillful use of lighting and structure to create a strong visual. -
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Federico Zavatta
BOOK DESIGNER
Italy • @contrastdesign.it + @feddzav7
Federico grew up with videogames and mangas, then he fell in love with design. Finding discipline into his creative chaos, and giving back clean compositions, is what determine his approach to design. Founder of Contrast collective in 2018, from 2022 he has embarked with the company on a virtuous path of deepening the world of design and communication, changing its name to "Contrast Design". He currently lives with his wife Giovannella and their black cat Zelda in Olbia, Italy.
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Anne Murayama
PROJECT DIRECTOR
Street and Self-potraiture • Japan • @annemurayama
Anne Murayama, originally from a science background, transitioned into photography with a focus on black-and-white self-portraiture and street photography. Since founding ephemere. in Tokyo, she has curated numerous exhibitions and published over 30 photo books and zines. Her diaristic approach adds intimacy and mystique to her works.
Criteria when selecting photos
• Novelty: Fresh imagery that feels unseen and original.
• Rarity: Hard-to-replicate compositions or techniques.
• Surrealism: Dreamlike qualities that invite abstraction and intrigue.
Submissions Form
Anarchyº1 is a striking black and white photobook born from ephemere.'s inaugural open call and first group exhibition. This compendium of monochromatic images spans diverse genres, styles, and themes, presenting a picturesque chaos that epitomizes mono-mania. Featuring 143 photographers from around the globe, Anarchyº1 showcases a rich tapestry of perspectives. Guest curators Satomi Sugiyama, Trey Derbes, and Jim Herrington, each with a unique eye for black and white photography, collaborated with gallery founder Anne Murayama, who herself is devoted to the craft and aspires to make Anarchy an annual series.