What If … Exhibition 

When discussing how images can recreate what we imagine, have photographers or artists ever had a moment when a single image opens the door to a “what if”?

 What if I could preserve a decisive instant as a lasting memory? What if the image could propose a perfect scenario? What if I could express something or someone through the act of photography itself?

If an image has the power to create impact, then what kind of impact might it generate?

Through photographic and image-based works, this exhibition explores these possibilities. In many everyday situations, people hold countless “what if” moments within their minds. Photography, by its nature, serves as a medium that can record both time and inner thoughts, allowing them to be translated into visual form.

More than presenting a collection of images, this exhibition invites viewers to join a thoughtful conversation. Do we truly live only in the present, or, for various reasons, do we continuously seek the possibility of a “what if”?

SUBMIT

OPEN CALL INFORMATION

  • Please submit your work via our Google form or submit via curatorspace.

  • Exhibition Name: What If … Exhibition 

    Curator: Jenny Ping Lam Lin

    Exhibition Date: 6-9 Nov 2026, From Friday to Monday

    Exhibition Venue: Photobook Cafe, 4 Leonard Circus, London, EC2A 4DQ

    This event will be open to the public, with no RSVP required.

    Exhibition Opening:

    6 Nov 2026, from 5 PM to 8PM.


    • There are 2 types of submission:

      Type A: Single image (A4/A3/40×40cm for Square image)

      Type B: 5 images as a series (A3 or 40×40cm for Square images)

    • Participation fee will apply for successful participants, printing fee included. The fee is non-refundable and supports The JustArt Collective Public Programme.

    • The work must respond to the theme - WHAT IF.

    • Analogue, digital and alternative methods of photography are all accepted.

    • All exhibition prints will be printed with JustArt on Self-Adhesive Prints.

    • Anyone can submit, emerging, established or amateur photographer; image-based artist; lens-based artist. Any age, background and identity from anywhere in the world.

    • Submission Deadline: 10 Sept 2026.

  • The Photobook Cáfe emerged from Shoreditch’s renowned photo lab and darkroom Rapid Eye which was established in 1996.

    Over the years Rapid Eye expanded their services to include studio space, classes and workshops, and in 2019 they launched the Photobook cafe bar and gallery space.

    In 2023, The Photobook Cáfe partner and London nightlife legend Farika Holden took a more active role to transform the food and drink. Over the last year, new breakfast, brunch and lunch menus have been introduced as well as monthly supper clubs, house-made cocktails and a carefully curated list of beers, wines and non-alcoholic drinks.

    More information:

    https://www.photobookuk.org/

    • All selected artists will be featured on JustArt Collective social media.

    • The exhibition will be featured on the JustArt Newspaper Club and other art platform.

    • Selected artists who exhibited with a series will be invited to have an artist interview and publish on the JustArt Newspaper Club.

Submit Your Work

PARTNERSHIP