Juror: Robert Fichter

Robert Fichter’s photographs, prints, books, and computer images are lush, dense works that deal with sociopolitical issues concerning humankind and its interaction with the natural environment. A persistent theme in his work is the revenge of nature against the capricious behavior of man. He sets up elaborate tableaux of objects and images and photographs these assembled scenarios with whatever is on hand – a 4x5 view camera, a Diana plastic camera or a Polaroid 20 x 24. Preferring to describe himself as an “image-maker” rather than a photographer, Fichter is also known as a “photographist” who paints and draws on his photographs and creates etchings and lithographs using photographic processes.

Robert Fichter was born in Fort Myers, Florida, 1939. He studied painting and printmaking at University of Florida, Gainesville (B.F.A. 1963) and photography and printmaking at Indiana University, Bloomington (M.F.A. 1966). He also has held visiting artist and teaching positions at UCLA, Cranbrook Academy of Art, and Florida State University. His awards include two NEA fellowships (1979 and 1984) and his work is exhibited throughout the U.S., including the Whitney Biennale, and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. His work is in the collections of the National Gallery of Art, High Museum of Art, and Los Angeles County Museum, to name a few, and also featured in numerous photography books, including many of his own. He currently lives in Tallahassee, Florida.

Hands Off! 2007 Call to Artists

Hands Off! is an international digital photography exhibition showing a new phenomenon in art: the ability for the artist to create a finished piece without ever touching the artwork. This juried exhibition gives the opportunity for emerging and well-known artists to show in an established venue possibly across the county or world without the normal astronomical fees involved (printing, framing, crating, shipping, as well as return shipping). If accepted, the artist sends in a digital file that the gallery prints at 8x10 inches and frames at 11x14 inches. During the month long exhibition, over $1000 in cash and prizes will be awarded. This includes the Best of Show, awarded by image-maker and juror Robert Fichter, of $150 and the winning framed print as well as product prizes. All entry money from the exhibition will go to 621 Gallery, Inc, a not-for-profit organization, to help bring contemporary and progressive art to Tallahassee, Florida.Entrants submit three JPG files of original work. Entries must be shot with a digital camera and can be manipulated digitally. The competition is international, open to all geographic locations, and also open themed.

Show run: September 7 - 28, 2007
Deadline for entries: July 13, 2007
Artist/image selection announcement: August 1, 2007.
Entrants will be notified by email. No phone calls, please.
Online registration only. For questions email us at veep@621gallery.com with the subject "Hands Off! Question".
Entry Fee: $30 US for 3 images/jpgs

For more information and to apply, please visit http://www.621gallery.com/handsoff/

Gallery Information:
A focal point for cutting edge, contemporary art in the Southeast of the USA, 621 Gallery in The Railroad Square Art Park presents at least 20 exhibitions per year featuring contemporary local and national artists. As a progressive non-profit art space, 621 Gallery is dependent on its community to continue our mission to bring innovative art to Florida's Capital City. 621 Gallery has been working in the arts for 25 years. For more information on the Gallery, please visit http://www.621gallery.com

Product Sponsors:
We our exceptionally lucky and very thankful to have several companies donate products for artist prizes. They include Pearson, O'Reilly, Focal Press, ExpoImaging, Hahnemuhle Fineart, and Aperture Foundation. Click here to read about the products they donated and more about the companies.

NOTE: 621 Gallery will design, print, and mail an invitation to the opening reception to its members. If selected for the exhibition, 621 Gallery will print and frame the artwork from a digital file provided by the artist and has the option to sell the framed print at a commission rate of 50%. 621 Gallery may make more than one sale of the same image. All participants retain all intellectual property rights to their artwork. 621 Gallery will not make additional prints after September 28, 2007 but remaining prints may be included in a fundraiser for the Gallery at a later date. In this event, 50% of the auction price will be sent to the artist. If the print is not sold by December 31, 2007 the print will be destroyed. Artist gives express permission by applying to Hands Off! for 621 Gallery to use photographic documentation of the exhibition for archival, promotional, documentary, and general use.