Wear and Tear is inspired by a conversation on near imperceptible ways we exist in the world. We believe no one is looking at our every move, but we leave behind markers that hint at our habits: dusty photographs, distressed toys, marked walls, and pillow stains. Even a gaze changes things, and those things look back. It requires sensitivity to notice these changes and what caused them. Even if we disappear into a corner of an industrial white room, we eventually create dust. When we leave and look back at that corner, we may create so much dust that we would see an empty spot where our foot planted into the floorboard. When guests walk by, how do they understand what happened in that corner of the room? Through wear and tear, we transfer memories and that speaks of and for us.
We invite you to submit a response with your art. Paintings, performance, or object-based works. It is up to you what you want to share with the public of Metuchen and the friends you bring to the opening. Even if you are unsure how it relates but want it to be shown, submit it anyways. We would love to see it!
Eligibility
Artists must be able to attend the opening reception evening of August 28th
Must be able to drop off work between August 11th and 25th
Work must be picked up on September 4th.
For each physical object, the weight limit is 30LBs
For paintings: max canvas size is 36 x 36 inches
Application Deadline: 07/19/2025
Exhibition dates: 8/28/2025 - 9/3/2025
Reception: Evening of 8/28/2025
Works can be sold, but transactions are not handled by the Bowery Art Collective. We’re happy to offer advice, but we ask that you transact directly with the buyer. Highschool, undergrad, recent grads, and grad students are especially encouraged to apply!
Feel free to contact Wear and Tear curator Ximi Chen by email at ximi.chen.studio@gmail.com with any questions.