Humans Becoming Human

International Black and White Photography Exhibition & Open Call in Barcelona

18–21 February 2027
BUAT Gallery, Barcelona

BUAT Gallery is preparing a new international exhibition project and open call for black and white photography under the working title “Humans Becoming Human”.

The project is dedicated to what makes us human: kindness, empathy, inner strength, vulnerability, care, mutual support, acceptance, hope, resilience and sincerity.

Through the language of contemporary black and white photography, the exhibition invites photographers and visual artists to reflect on the human condition — not through idealised images, but through honest, sensitive and meaningful visual stories.

About the Project

“Humans Becoming Human” is an international photography exhibition and open call focused on contemporary black and white photography.

The project explores vulnerability not as weakness, but as an essential part of human experience. It looks at the quiet gestures, emotional bonds and moments of resilience that allow people to remain human in difficult, fragile or transformative situations.

We are looking for photographic works that speak about care, dignity, empathy, emotional truth, inner strength, human connection and the ability to continue despite uncertainty.

Curated by Dr. Lisa Dakkar

The exhibition is curated by Dr. Lisa Dakkar, an artist, curator, researcher and author with a PhD in Fine Arts.

Her practice develops at the intersection of photography, installation, video art, literature and contemporary social studies. Her projects have been presented in museums, galleries and cultural institutions across different European countries.

For this project, Dr. Lisa Dakkar brings together artistic research, curatorial sensitivity and a deep interest in the human experience as seen through contemporary visual language.

International Photography Open Call

Alongside the exhibition, BUAT Gallery will launch an international open call and photography competition dedicated to black and white photography.

Photographers and visual artists from different countries will be invited to submit works connected to the theme “Humans Becoming Human”.

The submitted works will be reviewed by a professional jury connected to artistic, academic and research practices. The best photographs will receive awards, and selected works will become part of the collective exhibition at BUAT Gallery in Barcelona.

The full open call guidelines, participation conditions, jury members and submission deadlines will be announced soon.

What Selected Participants Receive

Selected participants will be included in a curated international group exhibition at BUAT Gallery and will receive:
Curatorial selection of participating works
Curatorial text for the exhibition and catalogue
Professional installation and exhibition lighting
Public opening with invited guests
Professional photographic documentation of the exhibition
Promotion through BUAT Gallery communication channels
Possibility to sell the artworks during the exhibition
Official certificate of participation

Professional Printed Catalogue

As part of the project, BUAT Gallery will publish a professional printed catalogue featuring reproductions of selected works, curatorial text and information about the participating artists.

The catalogue is planned to include international bibliographic identifiers and will be available in printed format for purchase through Amazon.

This catalogue will become both a record of the exhibition and a professional publication for the participating photographers and artists.

Exhibition Details

Exhibition title: Humans Becoming Human
Format: International black and white photography exhibition and open call
Dates: 10–13 December 2026
Venue: BUAT Gallery
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Curator: Dr. Lisa Dakkar
Discipline: Contemporary black and white photography
Open call: Coming soon

Stay Updated

More information about the exhibition, the official open call, participation conditions and jury will be announced soon.

Follow the upcoming updates through the BUAT Gallery website, the gallery’s social media channels and the Instagram account of Dr. Lisa Dakkar.

Open call: Coming soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to the black and white photography open call?

The open call will be open to photographers and visual artists working with black and white photography. Full eligibility details and submission requirements will be announced in the official open call.

Where will the exhibition take place?

The exhibition will take place at BUAT Gallery in Barcelona, Spain, from 10 to 13 December 2026.

What is the theme of the exhibition?

The theme is “Humans Becoming Human”. The project focuses on care, empathy, vulnerability, resilience, dignity, hope, human connection and the emotional strength that helps people remain human.

Will selected artists be included in a catalogue?

Yes. The project is planned to include a professional printed catalogue with selected works, curatorial text and information about the participating artists.

Will there be awards?

Yes. The project will include an international photography competition. Awards will be given to the best selected photographs according to the jury’s evaluation.

When will the official open call be published?

The official open call, including participation conditions, submission deadlines, jury information and selection criteria, will be announced soon through the BUAT Gallery website and social media channels.

Explore More

All exhibitions  •  Visit BUAT Gallery (contacts & address)  •  Available artworks in the shop