OPEN CALL> HAMMER TIME | Exposição-Leilão
26 Outubro 2025 00h00
HAMMER TIME | Exhibition-Auction
Zaratan invites artists, duos, and collectives to submit one or more works to be included in the "Hammer Time" exhibition-auction, an exhibition and performance event that aims to engender a micro-investigation into the value of an artwork from a peripheral position in relation to the market. At the same time, it is a fundraising event whose proceeds support both the participating artists and the sustainability of the Zaratan association's activities.
In addition to works in a physical medium, the call is open to digital proposals [GIFs, animations, 3D environments, etc.].
Hammer Time will also be accompanied by a series of 4 performative auctions led by João Pedro Branco (taking place both in-person and online simultaneously).
In addition to works in a physical medium, the call is open to digital proposals [GIFs, animations, 3D environments, etc.].
Hammer Time will also be accompanied by a series of 4 performative auctions led by João Pedro Branco (taking place both in-person and online simultaneously).
INTRO
The contemporary art system is articulated through structures and circuits of production, circulation, sale, and valuation, in which various actors play roles of synergy or antagonism.
By pantomiming the structure of the auction [as a market institution characterized by an explicit set of rules], Zaratan [as an independent space] seeks to test possible alternative entries into the so-called commercial art world, while always presenting challenging work and without yielding to the trends and fashions of the official circuits.
The analysis of the connection between the aesthetic and economic value of a work is crucial to understanding the general meaning of artistic production as a peculiar phenomenon of the culture or subculture in which we live.
The value of an artwork, considered solely from the point of view of those who love, own, or wish to own it, is incommensurable. Since aesthetic value cannot be completely objectified or quantified, a work has value as long as it can be publicly appreciated; that is, it requires a public space where the sharing of formal assessments can occur.
The institutional channels of art – museums, galleries, foundations – used to provide this function, and to a certain extent still do, when they are not corrupted by individuals who manipulate art solely as an investment. The prevailing financial system has turned many of the great public cultural institutions into a circus of promotion and commercialization, forgetting the value of the connection between public and artistic creativity.
Responding to the lack of alternative modes of cultural production and sustainability, Zaratan aims to be this space for discussion and to involve collective participation in order to instigate a public debate, in an auction format, on the valuation of contemporary aesthetic production.
The contemporary art system is articulated through structures and circuits of production, circulation, sale, and valuation, in which various actors play roles of synergy or antagonism.
By pantomiming the structure of the auction [as a market institution characterized by an explicit set of rules], Zaratan [as an independent space] seeks to test possible alternative entries into the so-called commercial art world, while always presenting challenging work and without yielding to the trends and fashions of the official circuits.
The analysis of the connection between the aesthetic and economic value of a work is crucial to understanding the general meaning of artistic production as a peculiar phenomenon of the culture or subculture in which we live.
The value of an artwork, considered solely from the point of view of those who love, own, or wish to own it, is incommensurable. Since aesthetic value cannot be completely objectified or quantified, a work has value as long as it can be publicly appreciated; that is, it requires a public space where the sharing of formal assessments can occur.
The institutional channels of art – museums, galleries, foundations – used to provide this function, and to a certain extent still do, when they are not corrupted by individuals who manipulate art solely as an investment. The prevailing financial system has turned many of the great public cultural institutions into a circus of promotion and commercialization, forgetting the value of the connection between public and artistic creativity.
Responding to the lack of alternative modes of cultural production and sustainability, Zaratan aims to be this space for discussion and to involve collective participation in order to instigate a public debate, in an auction format, on the valuation of contemporary aesthetic production.
HISTORY
In its 5th edition, Hammer Time is an exhibition-auction, accessible to all artists via Open Call, that reflects Zaratan's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the artistic landscape. This open and comprehensive format aims to involve artists at all stages of their careers, using the most diverse media, and regardless of their academic background or status.
Over the editions, the event has grown in format and scope: from approximately 40 works in its debut, the previous edition in 2024 brought together 90 artists from 21 countries, with ages ranging from 19 to 78. We invite all artists to participate in this event that values the plurality of expressions and talents.
In its 5th edition, Hammer Time is an exhibition-auction, accessible to all artists via Open Call, that reflects Zaratan's commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the artistic landscape. This open and comprehensive format aims to involve artists at all stages of their careers, using the most diverse media, and regardless of their academic background or status.
Over the editions, the event has grown in format and scope: from approximately 40 works in its debut, the previous edition in 2024 brought together 90 artists from 21 countries, with ages ranging from 19 to 78. We invite all artists to participate in this event that values the plurality of expressions and talents.
SUBMISSIONS:
Until October 26, 2025 Send an email to info@zaratan.pt with:
- Photo/file of the work(s) to be submitted (maximum 3 works per artist/collective).
- Technical details (title, year, dimensions/duration, technique/materials).
- Bio/CV.
- Minimum sale price (reserve price).
Until October 26, 2025 Send an email to info@zaratan.pt with:
- Photo/file of the work(s) to be submitted (maximum 3 works per artist/collective).
- Technical details (title, year, dimensions/duration, technique/materials).
- Bio/CV.
- Minimum sale price (reserve price).
EXHIBITION-AUCTION:
November 6, 2025 – January 10, 2026 @ Zaratan
November 6, 2025 – January 10, 2026 @ Zaratan
CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION:
- We are unable to cover the shipping and packaging costs for all works, but we will do our best to assist artists when necessary, in a DIY spirit.
- The minimum sale price is set directly by the artists/collectives themselves.
- In case of a sale, the proceeds are split 50% for Zaratan and 50% for the artist(s).
- Unsold works will be returned to the artists after the exhibition closes.
- Artists who have participated in previous editions of "Hammer Time" are warmly invited to apply again, provided that the submitted work is different from the one previously presented.
- We are unable to cover the shipping and packaging costs for all works, but we will do our best to assist artists when necessary, in a DIY spirit.
- The minimum sale price is set directly by the artists/collectives themselves.
- In case of a sale, the proceeds are split 50% for Zaratan and 50% for the artist(s).
- Unsold works will be returned to the artists after the exhibition closes.
- Artists who have participated in previous editions of "Hammer Time" are warmly invited to apply again, provided that the submitted work is different from the one previously presented.
SUPPORT:
República Portuguesa – Cultura, Juventude e Desporto / Direção-Geral das Artes
República Portuguesa – Cultura, Juventude e Desporto / Direção-Geral das Artes