Open Call:
Hidden Stories - The Secret Language of Still Life & Floriography

Submission Deadline: 11:59pm EST, June 19, 2026

Exhibition on view: August 13 - September 27, 2026

Notifications by EOD Tuesday June 30th, 2026

Location: Culture Lab LIC, 5-25 46th Ave, Queens, NY 11101 

Delivery of Art: On weekends of July 24th & August 1 during gallery hours: Saturday & Sunday, 2-9pm. All work must be hand delivered to the gallery. We cannot accept shipped works. 

About

Still lifes in today's art scene are often associated with the pedagogical. For many artists, it is one of the first modes through which they learn to see and translate the world around them. Yet to frame still life solely as an introductory practice is to overlook the depth and complexity embedded within its history. 

Still lifes have historically carried layered meanings, from studies of daily life to functioning as poignant memento mori. Many art historians point to the rich symbolism embedded within these works as a way of understanding the values and concerns of their time. This raises a compelling question: what stories or messages do today’s still lifes capture?

This exhibition situates contemporary still life within its historical lineage, while expanding its language through the parallel framework of floriography—the coded symbolism of flowers. Historically also used to communicate what could not be spoken openly, floriography offers a subtle yet potent vocabulary of emotion, resistance, and intention. When placed in dialogue with still life, these two traditions reveal a shared capacity for concealment and disclosure.

In reexamining still life, this exhibition proposes that these “still” objects are anything but passive and flowers are more than just beautiful. Instead, they are active carriers of meaning—holding within them the possibility of reflection, critique, and transformation.

Seeking 

This exhibition is looking for contemporary still lifes and artists using floral imagery as language in art. 

Artists working in 2D and 3D works are encouraged to apply. Film and installation will also be considered.

Culture Lab LIC does not take a commission on any art sold. As such, artists should price art to reflect no gallery commission. 

Statement regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Entries must be the product of original human authorship. Submissions that are found to be generated by, or to contain imagery derived significantly from, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology are not eligible and will be disqualified. By submitting to this open call, the artist attests that the artwork is entirely their own original work, does not infringe upon any copyright, and is not created using Artificial Intelligence tools. 

Questions? Contact us at info@culturelablic.org  

To learn more about Culture Lab LIC, visit www.culturelablic.org, @culturelablic  

Culture Lab LIC is a 501(c)(3) formed to be the arts and culture umbrella for Western Queens. We present art of all genres while supporting New York artists and other nonprofits by providing space, resources and a sense of community. Operating out of a 12,000 square foot converted warehouse, Culture Lab LIC hosts two fine art galleries, an 80 seat theater, classroom space, an 18,000 square foot outdoor venue, and a robust residency program. Culture Lab LIC is dedicated to upholding, equity, diversity and inclusion across all our platforms.

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