The Absurd
The Absurd is a mixed-media exhibition proposed for Fringe Arts Bath. It explores how artists respond to a world that often feels uncertain or resistant to clear meaning. Photography sits at the centre of the exhibition, supported by moving image, sound, installation, performance and collage.
The exhibition draws lightly on existential ideas without seeking to illustrate philosophy directly. It is interested in moments of doubt, contradiction and unease, and in how artists continue to observe, record and create within them. Works may reflect everyday routines, social systems, politics or technology, or more personal experiences of repetition, failure, persistence or quiet resistance.
Rather than offering explanations or conclusions, the exhibition focuses on the act of continuing. In the spirit of 'tending one’s garden', it values making, noticing and working regardless of certainty.
The Curator would like to share these artworks as examples to illustrate their thinking:
Curator Benedict Brain
Curated by Benedict Brain
Benedict Brain is a UK-based photographer and writer. His practice spans personal projects, editorial commissions and education. He writes regularly about photography and teaches through workshops, lectures and enrichment programmes in the UK and internationally.
He is the author of internationally published books such as You Will Be Able to Take Great Photos By the End of this Book and A Camera Bag Companion, and writes the monthly column The Art of Seeing. Benedict is regularly invited to judge photography competitions and, in 2020, founded Potato Photographer of the Year. He is represented in the UK by Sandra Higgins Art.
insta @benedict_brain
benedictbrain.com
facebook.com/benedictbrainphotography
linkedin.com/in/benbrain
How to apply
Fringe Arts Bath Festival will take place 22 May to 6 June 2026
Submission deadline: Friday 10th April 2026 at 23h59 GMT
Media accepted: All (photography-centric)
Free submission. All are welcome to apply, of any age, status, and from anywhere in the world.
If selected, we ask Artists for a £25 contribution (like crowdfunding) and to give some of their time, as we are all volunteers.
Please read our FAQs here to find out more.See all 17 projects open to submissions on our home page: fringeartsbath.co.uk
To submit your work: please email the curator absurd@fringeartsbath.co.uk including:
NB: please include the exhibition / project name in the email title.
max 200 words about your work and how it fits the call-out (written, audio file, video or another way to suit you).
some images of the work, or links to video / performance work (or existing work if it hasn’t been made yet).
any relevant links, if you have them (though it’s not a requirement and Curators might not have the capacity to visit them all).
of course please include any questions you have.
you might not hear back from Curators until after the deadline, thank you for your patience.