Contemporary Art Asia X OXO Gallery Summer Exhibition 2026

Competition Description

FORMLESS FORM

CONTEMPORARY ART ASIA (CAA) – 2026 SUMMER EXHIBITION

“Animitta” refers to the ultimate reality that transcends all appearances, forms, and concepts. The Diamond Sutra states that all forms are illusions, emphasising that the “forms” of the phenomenal world are temporary manifestations arising from the convergence of karmic conditions, not the essence of things. “Formless Form” does not negate the existence of form, but points to a paradoxical truth: when we cease clinging to fixed forms, we can instead touch upon deeper reality. This is a contemplative wisdom that dissolves form through form, reaching the invisible through the visible.

This exhibition explores the relationship between abstract form and cultural identity through the philosophical proposition of “Formless Form”. We welcome abstract painting that transcends formal constraints while manifesting the artist’s Asian cultural identity in contemporary visual expression. We do not seek symbolic Asian elements, nor do we attempt to define what constitutes “Asian aesthetics”. What interests us are artists who systematically engage with abstract idiom. They may be inspired by Asian philosophical thought, or they may depart from personal experience, material experimentation, or pure visual intuition. What matters is how these works establish tension between Form and Formlessness, and how, through the medium of painting, they touch upon the philosophical system underlying their own abstraction.

OPENING & PRIVATE VIEW: 30 June 2026, 18:00 to 20:00
EXHIBITION DATES: 1 July to 5 July 2026

OPEN CALL FOR ARTISTS
ARTISTS WITH ASIAN CULTURAL BACKGROUND, regardless of ethnicity, as long as they have substantial cultural learning or lived experience in Asia. We particularly welcome Asian artists currently studying, working, or living in the UK.
THEME: Artworks should employ abstract visual languages to explore the relationship between Form and Formlessness, presenting philosophical reflections on “the form of the formless”.
MEDIA: Abstract painting, all media accepted.
DIMENSIONS: Height or width must not exceed 120 cm.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 26 May 2026
SELECTION NOTIFICATION: 2 June 2026

CONTEMPORARY ART ASIA x OXO GALLERY
The collaboration between Contemporary Art Asia and OXO Gallery reflects the commitment of UK social enterprises to Asian art and artists, as well as the UK arts ecosystem’s continued attention to diverse cultural expression. As an arts organisation with an international vision, CAA employs a flexible curatorial model that enables diverse collaborative relationships with leading European art spaces, creating exhibition opportunities for Asian artists in the UK and Europe.

OXO Gallery, as one of London’s premier exhibition spaces, is CAA’s long term strategic partner in the UK. Both parties are committed to presenting high quality exhibitions on Asian themes through ongoing collaboration. Leveraging OXO Gallery’s established operational systems and stable audience base, CAA can provide truly professional level exhibition support for Asian artists, including quality exhibition space, OXO Tower South Bank LED screen promotion, social media networks, and arts media resources. This visibility is especially critical for Asian artists developing in the UK. For participating artists, this is not only an exhibition, but an opportunity to access world class art exhibition spaces through CAA’s platform resources.

APPLICATION INFORMATION
APPLICATION FEE: Waived for applicants from UAL.
EXHIBITION FEE: NONE. As this exhibition is dedicated to supporting the career development of Asian artists in the UK, there are NO EXHIBITION FEES for selected participants.