Drawing Resistance: The Artist’s Dilemma in Political Conflict | A Virtual Exhibition

In a world increasingly shaped by political unrest, censorship, and global crises, artists are often confronted with a critical question: What is my responsibility in the face of conflict? Must art speak truth to power—or is silence also a choice?“Drawing Resistance: The Artist’s Dilemma in Political Conflict” is a virtual group exhibition that explores the tensions artists face when navigating their creative practice in politically charged environments. The title plays on the dual meaning of “drawing”—as both a visual act and a metaphor for tracing boundaries, beliefs, or courage.

We invite women and non-binary artists from around the world to submit work that confronts, reflects on, or challenges political realities—whether global or deeply personal. Submissions may explore war, migration, censorship, social justice, protest, surveillance, gender-based oppression, or the quiet defiance of everyday survival. We are especially interested in works that wrestle with the dilemma of making art in a time of unrest: how to act, what to say, and what it means to resist.

This virtual exhibition welcomes all mediums, including but not limited to: painting, drawing, collage, printmaking, photography, sculpture (documented virtually), digital art, video, performance (video or audio), and written word (poetry, short text, or manifesto). Artists may submit up to three works per entry. All submissions must clearly relate to the exhibition theme.

WMG's Program Committee will select the works which will be presented in an online gallery alongside artist statements to offer context and deepen audience engagement. 

Please include a short artist statement (100–250 words) for each work submitted. Your statement should explain how your piece relates to the exhibition theme of political conflict, resistance, or the artist’s role in times of unrest. Share what inspired the work and how you see it engaging with activism, dissent, or personal/political struggle. The statement will appear alongside your work in the virtual exhibition to provide context and deepen viewer understanding.  

IMPORTANT DATES

• VIRTUAL EXHIBITION DATES: August 16–November 15, 2025 
• ENTRY DUE DATE: Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ 11:59 PM CST 
• NOTIFICATIONS: Saturday, July 19, 2025 

ENTRY FEE $15. Only one submission may be entered per artist. Each submission may include 1 to 3 artworks. Artists are guaranteed one inclusion if the work addresses the theme of the show. Entry fee is non-refundable. 

ELIGIBILITY Woman Made Gallery is a space for women and non-binary artists, including trans women and femme/feminine-identifying genderqueer artists. This exhibit is open to artists from the local, national, and international communities. Drawing Resistance: The Artist’s Dilemma in Political Conflict will be an on-line only exhibition, viewable on Woman Made Gallery’s website and social media channels. Please note:  "Woman Made reserves the right to refuse entries that do not comply with the entry requirements.

ART SALES Accepted work may be listed for sale, though it is not required. Sales and shipping arrangements are the responsibility of the artists. WMG will not take a commission for any sales. 

WHAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE While this exhibition encourages bold expression and critical engagement with political themes, submissions must uphold standards of respect and responsibility. Artwork that incites violence, promotes hate speech, or targets individuals with slander or malicious intent will not be accepted. Gratuitously graphic content without clear artistic or political context, cultural appropriation without thoughtful engagement, and plagiarism are also grounds for exclusion.