---
title: THE SHAPE OF A LIFE
description: >-
  International photography open call juried by J. Sybylla Smith on traces of
  absent presence; $1,000 in cash awards and an online exhibition at Decagon
  Gallery.
url: 'https://www.artsume.com/programs/fd507bc1-39a7-4ec4-82bd-e7f9108dc68a'
type: program
status: closed
createdAt: '2026-09-04'
updatedAt: '2026-10-11'
programType: Open call
organization: Decagon Gallery
organizationUrl: 'https://www.artsume.com/o/decagon-gallery'
deadline: '2026-10-10'
entryFee: 25 USD
location: Brooklyn
isOnline: true
compensationRange: >-
  $1,000 in cash awards: First Place $500 + solo exhibition on the Decagon
  Gallery website, Second Place $250, Third Place $150, two Honorable Mentions
  $50 each
disciplines:
  - photography
---

# THE SHAPE OF A LIFE

**Hosted by:** Decagon Gallery

**Type:** Open call | **Location:** Brooklyn | **Deadline:** October 10, 2026 | **Entry fee:** $25

## About This Program

> "The trace of a person rather than the person: what remains when someone is no longer in the frame — memory, habit and time"

Juror: J. Sybylla Smith. A life is not defined by its milestones alone. It is shaped by quieter things: the places we return to, the objects we keep, the moments that pass almost unnoticed until memory gives them meaning. What we're looking for: what remains when a person is no longer in the frame. A door handle worn smooth by years of the same hand. A chair still holding the shape of whoever sat there last. A path worn into grass by footsteps that repeated for years. The trace, not the person. We welcome documentary, fine art, conceptual, and personal work. What matters is the honesty and depth of the photograph — not the approach. We are not looking for portraits, or images that simply describe a person in front of the camera. We're looking for photographs that suggest presence without showing it directly — carrying the weight of memory, habit, or time. Submit jpg files at 2100 pixels on the long side without any text, watermarks, borders, or frames. We want the work to be seen as it is, without any added elements that might distract from the image itself. All selected photographers receive inclusion in the curated exhibition on a dedicated exhibition page, Instagram feature, and inclusion in the printed catalog. The exhibition will be promoted through Press Releases in appropriate channels. Photographers retain all rights, including copyright, to their photographs.

## Eligibility & Requirements

- **Geographic Eligibility:** International
- **Disciplines:** photography
- **Age Requirements:** 18+ years old
- **Note:** Open to photographers worldwide, 18 years and older. Location Eligibility Type: International. Eligible Applicant Types: Artist. Submission Limit: 1.

### Additional Requirements

Submit 4-10 images (min 4, max 10) that capture the essence of the "THE SHAPE OF A LIFE" theme. Format: JPEG or JPG, 2100 px on the longest side, without any text, watermarks, borders, or frames. Entry fee: $25 for 4 images, $5 for each additional image. Submission limit: 1. All entries must be received by October 10.

## Compensation & Benefits

$1,000 in cash awards: First Place $500 + solo exhibition on the Decagon Gallery website, Second Place $250, Third Place $150, two Honorable Mentions $50 each

**Includes:** Prize

First Place: $500 + Solo Exhibition on the Decagon Gallery website. Second Place: $250. Third Place: $150. Two Honorable Mentions: $50 each. Human Presence Nomination: Free entry to a future Decagon open call. All selected photographers receive inclusion in the curated exhibition on a dedicated exhibition page, Instagram feature, and inclusion in the printed catalog. The exhibition will be promoted through Press Releases in appropriate channels.

## Timeline

- **Opens:** August 1, 2026
- **Deadline:** October 10, 2026
- **Program Start:** November 1, 2026
- **Program End:** January 1, 2027

## Contact

**Email:** info@decagongallery.com

**Phone:** 657-330-1094

## How to Apply

Apply at: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=17987