Do you remember the anticipation of submitting your work to an open call? You pour your heart and soul into your piece, convinced it's a perfect fit. The rush of excitement as you submit your application, eagerly awaiting that acceptance email. In your mind, you imagine your work displayed at the event, envisioning the impact it will have.

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Then, weeks later, the long-awaited email arrives. A thrill of excitement pulses through you as you open it and start to read: “We regret to inform you that your work wasn’t selected for our event.”

 

Suddenly, the world goes silent and a heavy stone settles in your stomach. Rejected? How could this happen? You were so sure. Doubts flood in and you start to question all your work.

 

We've all been there. The sting of rejection. But rejection doesn't mean failure. It doesn't mean your work lacks value. Unlike sports, where success is clear-cut and measurable, art is subjective. Decisions are influenced by the jury’s background, education, and personal tastes. Art cannot be judged objectively or evaluated with precision.

 

Yet, no matter how much we understand this, rejection still hurts. Art is deeply personal; it’s like laying your heart on the table. And the judgement feels just as personal. Rejection is not only hard for the artist but also for those who have to make the decisions. As editors and curators, we understand the difficulty of rejecting work, knowing the effort and passion behind each piece.

 

In this edition of NOD Magazine, we want to explore the feeling of rejection. Our goal is to encourage you to keep going, reminding you that a piece rejected by one can be celebrated by another. We aim to showcase rejected works, giving them another chance to be seen, and to demonstrate that you are not alone.

 

We want to see your previously rejected projects or pieces and give them another chance to be shown. You are also welcome to share your stories of rejection, though this is optional.

 

Join us as we delve into the theme of REJECT, examining the resilience and unbreakable spirit of the artist. We invite you to share your rejected pieces and stories, allowing us to transform setbacks into stepping stones together. By participating, you contribute to a collective narrative of perseverance and hope, proving that rejection is not the end but a crucial part of the artistic journey. The magazine will be published and showcased at Munich Jewellery Week 2025, providing a platform for these powerful stories and artworks to be seen and celebrated by a global audience.

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We can't wait to see your submissions and hear your stories!