Atlas of the Present: Collage and Photography Today – Open Call

About

As 2025 draws to a close, one of the most significant issues that occupied photographic discourse this year revolved around the use and ubiquitous presence of artificial intelligence, and, specifically, artificially generated images. This had been a transformative year in the world of image-making. Of the most interesting responses to this moment had been the return to photographic processes that necessitate the human hand and eye, and, significantly, photo-based collages. With their layered physical presence and unexpected encounters of images, or images and texts, collages continue to expand and extend photographic discourse, as well as the relationship between artists and their viewers.

This call invites submissions for collage-based photographic works that respond to this moment and acknowledge earlier predecessors that continue to inspire the here and now; from avantgarde artists and thought-provoking makers of the twentieth century, or the digital pioneers of the twenty-first century.

Submitted works can include original pieces that make use of a variety of techniques including hybrids of analog and digital. In addition, works generated with AI tools will also be considered for this call (if the use of AI is acknowledged in the submission).

The Juror

Paris Chong is the Gallery Director of the prestigious Leica Gallery Los Angeles. With over two decades of experience as a Curator she has represented galleries and artists in events including Photo LA, Photo SF, Paris Photo, Paris Photo LA, The Palm Springs Photo Festival in addition to promoting Leica Gallery Los Angeles at international shows such as Art Basel and Photo Paris. Ms. Chong has also served as a respected and sought-after portfolio reviewer for The IPA Photo Awards, Fresh Look, Photoville, The Palm Springs Photo Festival and the ongoing Meet the Curator portfolio reviews for Leica Akademie USA.

Eligibility and Guidelines

The exhibition is open internationally to all levels. The juror will select works based on creativity, originality, and quality. LACP invites artists working in all mediums and styles with a relationship to photography to take part in the exhibition.

If AI was used to generate any components of the submitted image(s) that should be indicated in the description of the concept and/or the format.

The deadline to send digital files for consideration is Tuesday, January 6, 12:00 midnight, 2026.

Acceptance Notice

The selection process will be blind. Once the juror has made selections, all entrants will receive an email from LACP with a list of images and artists selected for the show. The selected images and artists’ names will be posted on LACP’s website.

LACP is not responsible for connecting the selected artists with the juror. In addition, LACP reserves the right not to use a particular selected image(s) for promotional purposes if the image(s) is deemed inappropriate for use on LACP’s social media, newsletter feed, and/or on in any other marketing material.

Entry Fee

$25 for 1 image ($12.50 for LACP Members)
$50 for 2-5 images ($25.00 for LACP Members)
$75 for 6-10 images ($37.50 for LACP Members)
$100 for 11-15 images ($50.00 for LACP Members)
$125 for 16-20 images ($62.50 for LACP Members)
$150 for 21-25 images ($75.00 for LACP Members)
$175 for 26-30 images ($87.50 for LACP Members)
$200 for 31-35 images ($100.00 for LACP Members)

Click HERE to enter and pay. You will be taken to Submittable to create your submission.

NOTE: Please DO NOT watermark your images when submitting. Thank you.

Not an LACP Member? To become a Member, click HERE

Each photographer retains all copyrights to their images & works. Photographers whose submissions are chosen for the exhibition grant the Los Angeles Center of Photography (LACP) the right to use their images for display on LACP’s website and for the purpose of promoting exhibitions, promoting LACP’s programs, and promoting the artist. Promotions and images may also be placed on social networks for LACP with artist credit. Artists grant the use of their image(s) as stated without further contact from LACP. The artist understands that LACP will not be held responsible for loss, theft or other damage, whether caused by the negligence of its officers, members, or others. Photographers are welcome to sell their photos during the online exhibit, with 50 percent commission to LACP. Submission of application will constitute an agreement to all these terms and conditions.

For questions please email info@lacphoto.org