'Lusus Naturae' explores the beauty and complexity of the unusual. It delves into estrangement, individuality, and connection, reexamining “freak of nature” as both anomaly and profound expression of self.

Artists are invited to submit work for Lusus Naturae, an exhibition deeply rooted in personal experiences of navigating feelings of estrangement, individuality, and finding beauty in the unusual. This exhibition is part of the Fringe Arts Bath Festival.

The title Lusus Naturae is borrowed from the Latin phrase meaning “freak of nature,” which offers a lens to engage with both the positive and negative connotations of this evocative concept.

It is also inspired by the short story Lusus Naturae by Margaret Atwood, in which the narrator—a young woman with a rare, stigmatising condition—grapples with alienation and the boundaries between monstrousness and humanity.

This narrative provides a springboard to investigate how we define and interpret individuality, otherness, and belonging.

Artists are invited to share work that explores the concept of 'Lusus Naturae'. Whether your work reflects personal experiences or grapples with society’s definitions of “normal” and “unnatural” hopefully it will spark reflection, vulnerability, and connection.

Part of Fringe Arts Bath Festival 2025. Fringe Arts Bath (FaB) is a test bed for new ideas, a platform for early career curators and artists, and those who prefer to operate outside the gallery-based art scene.

All media accepted, including but not limited to performance, film, installation, painting, sculpture, textile, photography, video.

Everyone can submit, from anywhere in the world. Submission is free. Selected artists will be asked to pay £22 and give their time to help cover the costs of this volunteer-led festival.

Deadline - Fri 11 April - 23:59 GMT. Fringe Arts Bath Festival will take place 23 May to 7 June 2025.