Open call to artists (2D, 3D, photography, fiber, writers) aged 14 and up for the following exhibition:

  

The Illusion of Autonomy

April 7, 2024–June 9, 2024

 

Christ Community Church Leawood Campus

14200 Kenneth Rd

Leawood, KS 66224

 

Exhibit Theme – The Illusion of Autonomy

Jesus prayed, ‘I have given them the glory you have given me, so that they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me’ (John 17:22–23).

How are we doing in this regard?

Western individualism…a churchless, deconstructed, private faith…the misconception that anyone can pull themselves up by their own bootstraps…these cultural defaults—and so many more—depend on the illusions of autonomy and self-primacy, illusions that began with the temptation of the forbidden fruit in the garden.

Are poverty, illness, and suffering individual matters? What about belief and ethics? Can we even even exist or know anything apart from human relationships?

Like Cain, we tend to recoil at the thought that we may be our brother’s guardian, that we may be beholden to those we’re in conflict with or don’t even know, and worse, that we may be complicit in the sin and suffering of others in our world. But all humanity bears God’s image.

We are called to participate in a life of diverse unity with the triune Godhead, serving and loving one another. We embrace the good life not through self-serving solitude or protectionism but through sacrificial relationship and community. We long for a world with kindness, security, and flourishing. But first we must let go of the idolatry of self.

Invitation to artistically respond

We invite you to explore, in your medium, the illusion of autonomy. Consider the tension and temptation and brokenness that isolation brings, as well its empty promises. Consider also the beauty and blessing and belonging that community offers.

Challenge us to understand better the ripple effects of sin in every arena big or small: relationships, culture, social systems, mental and physical health, or environment/climate, and the restorative blessing of sacrificial, communal love. 

 

• For further information, download the Submission Guidelines here. Submissions Guideline PDF
• We have provided a list of quotes from Scripture and other writers to jumpstart your reflection. List of Prompts for Reflection PDF
• Online submission deadline: Sunday, March 10, 2024, 11:59 PM.
• Deadline for physical delivery of finished work: Thursday, March 21, 2024, 3:30 PM.

SUBMIT YOUR ART WORK HERE