Undercurrents: An Art Review Series

Overview

Undercurrents is a critical review series examining artists whose work resists ecological and political crises through formal experimentation. Each review is a close, situated reading analyzing what an artwork refuses, disrupts, or reroutes within broader ecological and political frameworks. IOAEA (Insights of an Eco Artist) is a transnational organization founded in 2021 by Joana Alarcão, with exhibitions and events alternating between Lisbon and London.

Submission Deadline

• August 10, 2026

Eligibility

Open to artists worldwide at all career stages whose work engages with environmental and social-political lenses.

What to Submit

Submit 3–5 works with a website or Instagram link so the curator can view additional work if needed.

Fee Structure

• Free to submit
• Standard review fee if selected: €200
• Emerging artists (under 30 or less than 3 years professional practice): €150

What You Receive

Selected artists receive a professional critical review (700–900 words) published permanently on IOAEA's digital platform, comprehensive social media promotion with dedicated carousel post, a video conversation, archival documentation, and access to a global community of 400+ featured artists and curators across the UK, US, Portugal, Australia, Ireland, and France.

Review Process

• Private Zoom interview with founder Joana Alarcão (confidential, not published)
• Professional critical analysis of your work within contemporary art discourse
• Review published on IOAEA platform and social media with artwork images and biographical context

About the Curator

Joana Alarcão is a transdisciplinary eco-artist, art journalist, creative director, curator, and researcher based in Portugal with a Master's in Art and Ecology from Burren College of Art and a Bachelor's in Sculpture. She has over 6 years of experience as an art writer and cultural journalist, interviewed and profiled more than 400 artists, and currently serves as a Collaborating Researcher at CIEBA.