What is the theme? Deviation as method

For NOIA issue 5, we are proposing ‘Deviation as method’, a process of sustained effort that is in tension with what is understood as ‘the norm’. This process is inherently contradictory, as the more a deviation is adopted and standardised, the less of a ‘deviation’ it is. 

Deviation can be understood not only as something departing from the norm - a divergence - but also as a convergence where two things become a deviation through their meeting. Think of a chemical reaction, where two elements combined  deviate from their origins and get translated into something new entirely. This can happen slowly and gently over time or quickly and with great violence.

The method requires awareness of ‘the norm’; a sensitivity to the challenge of shifting away from or creating a point of tension along this standard. The accumulation of these deviations have compounding effects, a path appears where there was none, a misused word takes on a new meaning, a mistake in a science experiment that ends up being a cure. 

Deviation as method is a calculated set of conceptual and practical steps to diverge from the map to explore the territory, or perhaps to ignore the flat 2D map entirely, and explore the atmosphere layering over the surface. To deviate from North/South/East/West on the surface to up/down and beyond. 

Deviation can occur from a one-off mistake, but deviation as method occurs when we intentionally embrace mistakes as an active and expected part of our process. A process that invites mistakes rather than tries to protect against.

Due Date: June 20, 2026

LANGUAGE: PLEASE SUBMIT IN ENGLISH ONLY

We are an international team and the common language is English, all non-English submissions will not be considered and will be rejected.

What should I submit?

There are two separate open calls, one for images and one for text.

The open call for images will be used for the diptychs - combining two artists work side by side.

For the open call for text, while we primarily seek text-based submissions, we encourage creative proposals involving non-textual works, for example: visual essays, experimental poems, graphic interventions, deconstructed texts, etc.

When will I hear the results?

We try to have the results within 4 weeks of the submissions, but depending on how many submissions we receive it can take longer to give them the necessary care and attention for reviewing each one. We will send an email with the results to both those we choose and those who are not accepted into this issue.

Will I get paid if my submission is used?

NOIA is a grassroots and self-funded project that is working towards a fair compensation model.

For image submissions, we offer 8€ as a token of appreciation to the selected artists (that sum can be accepted, or donated to a charity, we take care of making a bulk donation with all contributions)

For text submissions, we offer a symbolic 30€ payment to the selected authors (that can be either accepted or donated to a selected charity) or a free copy of the magazine as a small token of our appreciation and gratitude. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

By submitting images and content, you confirm that you own the rights to all materials shared, or that you have permission to use them. You keep full copyright ownership of your work, but by submitting it, you give us permission to use, share, edit, adapt, and publish the content for promotional purposes, including social media, websites, presentations, and related communication materials. Content selected for the printed publication will be used in the form it was submitted.