BURLESQUE & PATRIARCHY — CALL FOR ARTISTS

Beauty. Power. Desire. Rebellion.

Rubin Gallery invites visual artists to explore the relationship between power, desire, identity, social roles, gender and freedom. We welcome bold, thoughtful and unexpected artistic interpretations — from satire and seduction to resistance and transformation. The exhibition will bring together visual art, poetry, live music and theatrical performance in an intimate setting.

THE CURATORIAL CONCEPT

For centuries, women have been portrayed as muses, icons and objects of admiration, while their independence, sexuality and place in society were frequently defined by patriarchal structures. From courtesans and geishas to actresses, dancers and women shaping contemporary culture, the exhibition explores the tension between being seen and choosing how to be seen.

Who is watching whom? Who defines femininity? What changes when a woman takes control of the gaze herself?

Burlesque is a starting point, not a limitation. We invite interpretations that are historical, symbolic, political, playful, ironic, sensual, critical or entirely abstract. The work may celebrate beauty, challenge stereotypes, expose contradictions, reclaim the body or question the performance of power. There is no prescribed aesthetic and no single answer. Artistic freedom and the individual voice of each participant are central to the exhibition.

On the opening evening, painting and sculpture will meet poetry, live music and intimate theatrical performance. Rather than a conventional reception, we are creating an immersive encounter between artists, performers and invited guests.

VIP Opening: Saturday, 6 March 2027 · Frankfurt am Main
Application deadline: 15 January 2027 (23:59 CET)
Participation fee for selected visual artists: €180
Gallery commission: 30% of the final artwork sale price. If an artwork sells, the €180 participation fee is credited towards the gallery commission.
Guest admission: Guest list only; places are limited and advance registration is subject to confirmation.
Guest dress code: Thematic elegance inspired by the exhibition, or evening cocktail attire. Dark suits and black-tie-inspired looks are welcome; creative interpretations are encouraged.

Selected poets, musicians and literary performers may participate in the opening event free of charge. Artists facing financial barriers may request partial or full sponsorship with a short explanation in their application.

How to apply: Email kontakt@katharinarubinart.com with up to four high-resolution images (JPEG or PNG), artwork title, dimensions, medium, year, price and a short statement about the work, plus an artist biography of no more than 200 words. Use the subject line “Call for Artists — Burlesque & Patriarchy”.

Delivery and collection: Selected artists will receive delivery dates and practical details after confirmation. Unsold artworks must be collected by appointment within the collection period communicated by the gallery. If personal collection is not possible, the artist must arrange and cover return shipping and provide a prepaid return label after confirmation.