Revue {R}évolution invites submissions from artists working within figurative genres. We seek creations that narrate episodes from mythology or illustrate renowned epic poems originating from the East, the West, and Africa.

Mythology, in its essence, represents a symbolic discourse on the Divine—be it the deity personified in the elements of Nature or the transcendent dimension humanity aspires to comprehend through religion. As such, any artwork submitted for consideration must encapsulate a transcendental quality, rising above the mundane to attain the profound.

The Ancient of Days (Urizen), by British Poet, Printmaker, and Mystic

William Blake (1794). Public domain

Polymatheia, the Poetic Art Prize, will commence accepting submissions on October 15, 2023 and the submission window will close on June 15, 2024. This extended timeframe provides artists with ample opportunity to meticulously craft their applications.

Our art contest is an annual event, precisely because the creation of polymathic works in art and literature demands time and dedication. If the 2023-24 period is not conducive to your submission, please do not feel pressured or discouraged. Instead, set your sights on the following year's session. In your creative journey, remember that haste is not a necessity; knowledge flourishes even more when nurtured with time, unwavering commitment, and patience.

Polymatheia, the Poetic Art Contest, invites submissions from artists working within figurative genres. We seek creations that narrate episodes from mythology or illustrate renowned epic poems originating from diverse regions of the globe.

Mythology, in its essence, is a symbolic discourse on the Divine—be it the Divine personified in the elements of Nature or the transcendent dimension humanity aspires to realize through religion. As such, any artwork submitted for consideration must encapsulate a transcendental quality, transcending the mundane to evoke the profound.

Throughout history, artists who have channeled grand narratives—often expressed in poetic form—have left an indelible mark on human culture. Their legacy is a testament to unparalleled beauty and wisdom that continues to resonate, beckoning us each time we step into a museum. It is precisely this transcendent beauty, as exemplified by the works of Veronese, Plautilla Nelli, Dürer, Géricault, Caravaggio, Delacroix, and, in a later era, the pre-Raphaelites, William Blake, Elihu Vedder, and others within the Western tradition, that the themes of mythology and epic narratives evoke in humanity. Revue {R}évolution, through this contest, seeks to honor and celebrate this enduring source of inspiration and creativity.

Important Note on Revue {R}évolution's Philosophy

As part of our philosophy, we draw inspiration from Samkhya, an ancient Indian philosophical system that analyzes causes and effects, the elements of Reality. If you're unfamiliar with Samkhya, we recommend exploring our articles on the subject and conducting rigorous research to understand its significance in life and the creative process.

Art, as well as any endeavor, from the imaginative to the ordinary, finds its roots in thought. For artists, who convey wisdom (subtle knowledge about existence) through their paintings and drawings, the process of thought requires purpose, clarity, and focus. In the quest for intellectual and spiritual clarity, Samkhya offers invaluable guidance, helping to attain the depth and lucidity of thought required not only for creative expression but also for enriching one's life through contemplation and self-examination.

1. Craft & the Beautiful Intellect

The Artist must display craft, a developed aesthetic sense, and a commendable knowledge of the literary/scriptural/mythological subject portrayed in visual art. Our art contest can be likened to a present-day artistic and intellectual Pythian game, a competition that values excellence in both artistic expression and intellectual depth. We encourage you to research the Pythian Games.

📚 Due to the nature of our contest and review, commendable knowledge of art history, especially from the Renaissance to the 19th century is required.

✍️ The creative statement being an integral part of the Artist's submission, excellent thinking and writing skills are also required.

☀️ Any artist striving to develop an aesthetic and metaphysical sensitivity in their œuvre is eligible to apply.

2. Geography, History & Traditions

Geography:

Revue {R}évolution celebrates the cultural diversity of artistic expression and encourage artists from all corners of the globe to participate. We welcome submissions from Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. 

History & traditions:

🎨 Artists who find inspiration in the following art movements are particularly encouraged to apply:

• the Renaissance (15th-16th/17th century), and the later:
• Realism,
• Aestheticism,
• Neoclassicism,
• the Pre-Raphaelites,
• Symbolism (as exemplified by Gustave Moreau & William Blake),
• and Art Nouveau.

🪷 Artists who draw inspiration from their spiritual or religious lineage are particularly encouraged to apply.

🇮🇳 Artists influenced by the rich traditions of Indian art, including Kerala Mural Painting and Rajasthani painting are particularly encouraged to apply. For those less familiar with Kerala Mural Painting or Rajasthani style painting, these are traditional Indian painting styles from respectively Southern and Northern India depicting scenes of Hindu mythology and Indian history. If you're interested in learning more about these styles and how they can inspire your art, consider researching them or seeking guidance from experienced artists.

3. Disciplines

Polymatheia, the Poetic Art Contest rewards illustrators and painters who use classical artistic techniques.

• Drawing: charcoal, pastel, and pencil.
• Painting: acrylic, oil, natural pigments, and tempera.
• Printmaking
• On all traditional media: paper, wood, or canvas.
  

Our judging process is designed to evaluate submissions based on specific criteria. Entries will be assessed primarily by the Editorial team. Here are the key criteria upon which your submission will be evaluated:

♦️ Artistic Craftsmanship: Your artwork's technical skill and execution will be closely examined. Judges will consider the precision, mastery of chosen techniques, and the overall quality of your visual artwork.

♦️ Aesthetic Sense: We value the aesthetics of your artwork. Judges will assess how effectively you convey beauty, emotion, and overall artistic perception through your piece.

♦️ Knowledge of Literary/Scriptural/Mythological Subject: Your submission should demonstrate a deep understanding of the literary, scriptural, or mythological subject you have chosen to portray. Judges will look for accuracy, depth, and originality in your interpretation.

♦️ Creative Statement: Your written creative statement is an integral part of your submission. It should provide insights into your artistic process, your connection to the subject matter, and the intellectual and emotional aspects of your work. Judges will evaluate the literary quality, intellectual clarity, and spiritual depth of your statement.

♦️ Alignment with Contest Themes: Your artwork should align with the contest's themes, which include mythology and epic narratives. Judges will assess how well your submission captures the transcendental quality and grand narratives associated with these themes.

♦️ Relevance to Samkhya Philosophy and the Spirit: If applicable, the judges will consider how your creative process aligns with Samkhya philosophy. Judges will look for evidence of philosophical and spiritual roots in your work.

♦️ Connection to Polymathy: Judges will consider how your submission reflects polymathic approaches in art, emphasizing the integration of diverse knowledge areas and interdisciplinary thinking.

Remember that each criterion contributes to your overall score, and your submission will be evaluated as a whole. We encourage you to showcase your best work and ensure that it aligns with these criteria to maximize your chances of success in Polymatheia, the Poetic Art Prize.

At Polymatheia, the Poetic Art Prize, we strive to celebrate and nurture the polymathic spirit that drives creative minds. We understand the value of your dedication and passion, and we are excited to reward your commitment with the following:

1. A Thought-Provoking Tome: The winner will receive a book–meticulously chosen–that resonates with our contest's theme and our publication's philosophy. This book will enrich your artistic journey and nurture the Erudite's spirit in you, becoming a cherished addition to your library.

2. Pigments from Gaia : In support of your creative pursuits, we offer a set of natural pigments originating from France, America, and India. This collection comprises 9 or 10 jars of primary and ocher pigments of the highest artisanal quality, providing you with the rawest chromatic elements to conjure the Alchemist in you. 

3. Illuminating Exposure: Your creative statement and artistic prowess will be prominently featured in the next issue of Revue {R}évolution, both in print and online. This showcase will extend to our YouTube channel to inspire and delight our 1000 subscribers. Our podcast interviews peak at +5-7K views on YT and are re-broadcasted on all major streaming platforms, amplifying your voice and artistry to a broader audience.

4. Gallery of Brilliance: The winning artist will have the exclusive opportunity to exhibit their work in our online Polymath Art Gallery. This exhibition will run for a duration of 1 to 3 months, during which you will receive one personalized mentoring session to further hone your craft, philosophy, and debuting career.

5. Certificate of Distinction: As a testament to your exceptional artistic and intellectual accomplishments, you will be presented with the prestigious "Polymatheia, The Poetic Art Prize Certificate." This certificate serves as a tangible symbol of your dedication to artistic excellence.

• High-resolution photo or scan of your visual artwork.
• Video introduction of yourself and your general art approach - 5 to 7 minutes max (use a Google Drive link).
• Short and coherent bio, listing relevant publications, exhibitions, and other public initiatives, if any.
• Statement of creative intent: Essay presenting your artistic process, art & cultural perspective, and literary inspirations (approx. 1700-2500 characters)
• Link to your website/online portfolio.

Participation in Polymatheia, The Poetic Art Prize by Revue {R}évolution requires a one-time, non-refundable payment of $25 per Contestant.

🚀 Preparing for Polymatheia, the Poetic Art Contest is a wise decision. We recommend starting your preparations six months to a year in advance to give yourself ample time to craft your submission and ensure success. If you require assistance or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to support your artistic journey: info@revuerevolution.com

Links & Resources mentioned in this article

🔴  RESOURCES FROM REVUE {R}ÉVOLUTION

📍Grasping the essence of polymathy 

• Who is a polymath? Someone who peaks
• Our Art Scope
• Beauty Almighty - Issue #5: A Timeline of Polymaths. Infographics and Method 
• Watch A Timeline of Genius in Poetry and Art 

📍Samkhya 

• Striving to read a Samkhya treatise will certainly benefit those of us with an inquisitive, analytical, and spiritually-inclined mind. However, it may not appeal to those who are not initiates of the Yogic tradition. Fortunately, the Divine speaks in many tongues, that is, many levels of meaning. We encourage you to research Samkhya. To help, start with the following resources from Revue {R}évolution:

• The article "Poetry is Sattva"  is a humble interpretation of Samkhya, an introduction from a disciple and poet’s perspective. I have designed it to help poets of all  backgrounds understand what connects poetry to Samkhya and the Divine. If you are a regular reader of Revue {R}, you are well aware of our perspective that poets and artists are two sides of the same creative coin, each representing a unique avenue of creative evolution. Consequently, the article below holds value not only for poets but also for artists like you.
• Our Editorial Eternal
• The article What is Samkhya & How Does it Benefit Poets and Artists? [link soon]

📍Peruse Revue {R}évolution’s free content

• Revue {R}évolution’s YouTube Channel
• QELP, The Poet’s LIFE podcast 
• Revue {R}évolution temporarily offers select articles and poetry pages for free. To discover which pages are currently available in open access, please visit our article/interview or current poetry section.

📍Subscribe to Revue {R}évolution

• Our subscription plans start at $50/year

📍Polymath Art Gallery

• Visit Revue {R}évolution’s Polymath Art Gallery.

📍Revue {R}évolution’s Learning Center for Poetry & the Arts

• Learning Center for Poetry and the Arts: Explore our Learning Center for Poetry and the Arts for courses on symbolism, polymathic writing, and more. We also offer templates for artist biographies and statements of creative intent through our YouTube paying membership [link to YouTube membership soon].

📍Polymatheia’s Terms & conditions

• Read our Art Contest Legal Terms & Conditions here

🔴  EXTERNAL RESOURCES

• Pythian games
  About Wikipedia: Use Wikipedia articles as an initial introduction to a subject and to structure your research, then move to authoritative / expert encyclopediae or literature. Avoid citing Wikipedia as a source in your writings. Always verify and vet the sources cited within Wikipedia articles for accuracy and reliability.
• Kerala Mural Painting from Gaatha.org, an online repository of research on Indian Arts and Crafts.
• Bikaner Style, a pdf from the Indian National Council of Educational Research and Training.
• Lettercount (online app to count characters and letters in a text)