The human form has been the central subject of art for millennia, but how do we interpret it in the digital age? The 16th Figurative Art Competition by Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery invites artists and photographers to answer this question. This international competition seeks to showcase the best contemporary figurative art, challenging creators to explore the figure not just as a subject, but as a vessel for emotion, narrative, and identity.
For photographers browsing a list of photography competitions that offer extensive online visibility, this event is a standout. Light Space & Time (LST) is renowned for its marketing reach, ensuring that selected works are seen by gallery directors, art collectors, and consultants worldwide. Whether your style leans towards hyper-realistic portrait work or abstract interpretations of the body, this contest provides a platform to have your art validated and promoted.
The deadline for submissions is approaching, closing on February 25, 2026. This is a call to all 2D and 3D artists, including photographers and digital artists, to submit their best representational or abstract figurative art. With a prize structure focused on career-building publicity and a dedicated online exhibition in March, it is an opportunity to amplify your artistic voice.
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The 16th Figurative Art Competition Prizes
The rewards for this competition focus heavily on promotion and validation, providing artists with tools to advance their careers. The gallery leverages its extensive network to ensure winning artists receive significant exposure.
- Best in Show:
The #1 overall top winning artist will receive a cash prize of $100. - Marketing and Publicity:
The top 12 winning artists will have their art promoted and circulated to hundreds of major news outlets, including syndicated Premium News Outlets, with inclusion on Google News and Bing News. This press release distribution is a powerful tool for building an artist’s online presence. - Exhibition and Certification:
All winning artists (including Special Merit and Special Recognition categories) will be featured in the gallery’s online exhibition for the month of March 2026. Winners receive a digital Award Certificate, an Event Postcard, and a dedicated “Link back” to their own website, which is invaluable for search engine ranking.
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The Categories of the 16th Figurative Art Competition
This competition revolves around a single, central theme: Figurative. The gallery defines figurative subjects as figures, forms, and faces. The interpretation of this theme is broad, welcoming both representational and abstract approaches.
Photographers can submit work that falls into various artistic styles. You might enter a classic fine art portrait that captures the soul of the subject, or a dynamic fashion image that explores the figure in motion. Conceptual pieces that use the figure to convey a deeper message are also encouraged.
16th Figurative Art Competition Dates and Entry Fees
The submission window is currently open. Since the early bird period has passed (January 1st), the standard entry fees now apply.
- Deadline for Entries: February 25, 2026.
- Results Announced: March 1, 2026.
- Exhibition Opens: March 1, 2026.
- Exhibition Closes & Archived: March 31, 2026.
Entry Fees:
- $18.00 for 1 to 2 entries.
- $26.00 for 3 to 5 entries.
- Students who are registered with Submittable and possess an email address with an EDU extension are eligible for discounted rates.
How to Enter
Submissions are handled via the gallery’s online system (Submittable). You will need to upload your images (JPG format recommended) and pay the entry fee. The gallery accepts photography, digital art, painting, sculpture, and other 2D/3D media. Ensure your files are high quality, as they will be used for the online exhibition if selected.
About the Jury
The entries are reviewed by the gallery’s directors and jury team. They evaluate submissions based on creativity, originality, interpretation of the “Figurative” theme, and overall artistic quality. The goal is to curate a diverse group exhibition that highlights the best contemporary interpretations of the human form.
Why Enter 16th Figurative Art Competition?
This competition is one of the best photography challenges online for artists seeking tangible marketing results rather than just a pat on the back. The inclusion of a press release distribution for the top 12 winners is a service that would typically cost hundreds of dollars on its own. Additionally, the “link back” feature to your artist website provided to all winners is a powerful SEO benefit that helps collectors find you directly. With low entry fees and a quick turnaround time for results, it is a highly efficient way to gain international exposure.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of the 16th Figurative Art Competition by Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery has been generated automatically. If you are interested in participating in this contest we suggest you review the complete rules provided by the contest.
Copyright and Usage Rights
The artist retains all copyrights to their images. By entering, you grant Light Space & Time the right to use your images for marketing and promotional purposes related to the exhibition and the gallery. This includes usage on the website, social media, and in press releases. The gallery does not claim ownership of your work.
General Rules
The competition is open to all artists worldwide, 18 years of age or older. Entries must be original works created by the artist. There is no limit to the number of times an artist can enter, provided the entry fees are paid. All 2D and 3D media are accepted. Erotic art is strictly prohibited.
For more information and to participate in the contest, visit: the official website.
