der greif: earthly fabulations

The "Earth Day 2026" open call invites lens-based artists to deconstruct the traditional and colonial history of "landscape photography" by engaging with the intersectional and systemic realities of our planet. This initiative centers on ecocriticism, examining the parallel histories of environmental exploitation while rooting artistic practice in the commitment to understanding and living in harmony with the specificities of one’s local geographic region and beyond. We seek works that move beyond the human-centric gaze to acknowledge non-human agency, treating plants, animals, and geological formations as active protagonists rather than passive photographic subjects.

Rather than centering competition, Earthly Fabulations foreground process, dialogue, and mutual support. Selected works will be presented in an ephemeral online exhibition on Der Greif’s homepage for one month, creating a temporary yet visible gathering of practices from across geographies and contexts.

At the core of this initiative is Der Greif’s commitment to education and peer learning through our Face-to-Face program. Selected artists will be invited to participate in small-group online critique sessions, where they can share work-in-progress, exchange feedback with one another, and receive guidance from our Der Greif team.

This call is an invitation to be in conversation on photography, non-human agents, and how we co-live and care for the environment.

This call is an invitation to be in conversation on photography, care, and how we grow together.