Creating the right compositional balance is the challenge artists face with each work of art they create, regardless of the medium, style, or genre. The thoughtful use of negative space can be a powerful tool in shaping how we see and interpret the visual; it can provide either tension or serenity – sometimes evoking both in a single work of art. It adds meaning by showing us not only what is there, but what is not. The balance of spatial relationships between elements is a dance and can be expressed in countless ways: through stark contrast, geometrically, minimally, or using perspective to draw you to a single, central focal point. 3D artists demonstrate this dance by volume, and the space surrounding and through an object, or through activation between multiple objects. We invite artists to show us how they use spatial language in their art to get our attention in their own unique way.

MFA exhibitions are blindly juried by professional and credentialed art experts. Entry is open to all artists from around the world, with the exception of sanctioned countries. Any original 2D or 3D work that follows our exhibition guidelines will be considered. This includes works selected by the juror which will be exhibited in Maryland Federation of Art’s (MFA) Spatial exhibition through our Virtual Gallery from June 15 – August 13, 2026.