Portraits of the Most Known is an interrogation of the human experience and an exercise in visual literacy. “Portraits of the unknown” have been an artistic phenomenon for centuries and have long been defined as works of art that appear to depict specific people, but in which the subject has no confirmed identity. This exhibition seeks to present interpretations of “portraits of the unknown” for the purpose of fostering a discussion of what it means to identify and, more importantly, understand a subject. Selected works will be displayed alongside archival materials depicting unknown subjects of the past, which will present ideas of close looking and critical analysis and encourage application of these ideas to the other pieces throughout the gallery. The Stamp Gallery seeks contemporary artwork which offers a perspective on “portraits of the unknown” that will prompt conversation around identification and connection within the human experience, and invite explorations of intimate understandings of the unidentified. All media will be considered for this exhibition. Portraits of the Most Known is a student-curated exhibition. Previous student-curated exhibitions can be seen at stamp.umd.edu/gallery
Artists may submit multiple artworks. Please submit one form per artwork here by May 18, 2025.
Accepted artists will be responsible for delivering their artwork to the Stamp Gallery (Adele H. Stamp Student Union, 3972 Campus Drive College Park, MD 20742) between May 27 and May 31, and for retrieving their artwork after the exhibition closes. The exhibition will be open from June 16 to August 15 2025, and the opening reception will take place on June 16th, 2025, from 6-8pm.
Deadline for Submissions: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Notification for Acceptances: Friday, May 22, 2025
Exhibition Dates: June 16 - August 15, 2025
Exhibition Opening Reception: June 16
Artwork Drop off: May 27 - May 31, 2025