As our readers know, we have a long history of covering and promoting one of the best yearly art events out of Louisiana, the Surreal Salon show and competition. From one of our founders, Greg Escalante, being a guest judge, and legendary pop surreal artists Ron English, Camille Rose Garcia, Josh “Shag” Agle, Elizabeth McGrath and Greg “Craola” Simkins all being judges in year's past as well, the entire competition is a unique and special look at the emerging contemporary painting world.
Baton Rouge Gallery (“BRG”) is now accepting submissions for Surreal Salon 12, the juried exhibition that celebrates pop-surrealist/lowbrow art. Previously open only to those based in the U.S, artists from across the globe are invited to take part in this special exhibition for the third consecutive year. Submissions are reviewed via a blind jurying process that ensures each work is selected based solely on its artistic merit; the juror will not see an artist’s name until after selections for the exhibition have been made. The work ultimately selected by Surreal Salon 12’s Special Guest Juror will be honored in an upcoming editorial that focuses on the artist behind the work and the piece itself.
Works will be selected exclusively by Surreal Salon 12’s Special Guest Juror, Dan Quintana, one of the pop-surrealist/lowbrow movement’s standout artists. Surreal Salon 12 will be held from January 3 – 30, 2020 at Baton Rouge Gallery, which is located inside the Recreation and Park Commission of East Baton Rouge Parish’s historic City Park on 1515 Dalrymple Drive, and is open to the public, free of charge, during normal gallery hours (Tuesday-Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.).
Artists working in all media are encouraged to submit up to three works for the juror's consideration. The deadline for submissions is November 15, 2019, and those interested in taking part in this unique exhibition can find more information here.
In conjunction with Surreal Salon 12, Quintana will give a free and informal talk at the LSU School of Art on Monday, January 27, 2020. His presentation will touch on his own work, his career, the state of pop-surrealism today, as well as the collection of works featured in Surreal Salon 12.
