Lusus Naturae: Empathy and the Unusual

Call-out to Artists:

Artists are invited to submit work for Lusus Naturae, an exhibition examining the complex intersections of empathy, individuality, and the inherent beauty of the unusual. The exhibition takes its name from the Latin phrase meaning “freak of nature,” inviting both positive and negative interpretations of this evocative concept.

We seek art that explores feelings of estrangement, nonconformity, and profound uniqueness, as well as the ways these experiences can inspire vulnerability, connection, and self-acceptance. How does society define “unnatural” and what emotions or judgments are tied to this label? What beauty or discomfort emerges when confronting our own differences or the otherness in others?

Lusus Naturae aims to challenge viewers to see the unusual through new lenses — whether as anomaly, marvel, or something in between — and to reflect on their own perspectives on individuality and belonging.

Metamorphosis of a teenage girl, 2023, Lily Serendipity

Child with impetigo, 2023, Lily Serendipity.

Curated by Lily Serendipity

Lily Serendipity is a multidisciplinary artist working across the South-West of England. From paint and textiles to sculpture, installation, and performance, their process is less about technical mastery and more about processing feelings through making. Their practice reflects on themes of loneliness, awkwardness, metamorphosis, and strained communication. These explorations are deeply rooted in personal memories, experiences and idiosyncrasies but also reach out to reflect relatable universal feelings.

Serendipity often gravitates towards naive, self-taught methods and accessible materials, imbuing their work with a handmade, unserious aesthetic. It invites you into its own vulnerable awkwardness, where imperfection is embraced. Currently, their practice centres cross-stitch and soft textile sculpture, mediums that stretch time while fostering self-reflection and play.

Lily Serendipity is a 2024 Bath Spa University Creative Arts Practice graduate, recently was a part of the group Artist Engagement Fellowship at Spike Island, Bristol 2023/24 and is currently a resident at the Emerge Studios, Bath.

Instagram: @lily_serendipity_

To submit your work: please email the Curator naturae@fringeartsbath.co.uk including:

NB: please include the exhibition / project name in the email title.
max 200 words about your work and how it fits the call-out (written, audio file, video or another way to suit you).
some images of the work, or links to video / performance work (or existing work if it hasn’t been made yet).
any relevant links, if you have them (though it’s not a requirement and Curators might not have the capacity to visit them all).
of course please include any questions you have.
you might not hear back from Curators until after the deadline, thank you for your patience.

Fringe Arts Bath Festival will take place 23 May to 7 June 2025

Submission deadline: Friday 11th April 2025 at 23h59 GMT

Media accepted: All media, including but not limited to performance, film, installation, sculpture, photography, video, sharing of practices.
Free submission. All are welcome to apply, of any age, status, and from anywhere in the world.
If selected, we ask Artists for a £22 contribution (like crowdfunding) and/or to give some of their time, as we are all volunteers. Please read our FAQs here to find out more.
See all 20 projects open to submissions on our home page: fringeartsbath.co.uk