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"When nature looks back."
FAME FRAME Gallery presents The Animal Gaze — an exhibition-competition exploring the silent yet powerful presence of animals as subjects of perception, emotion, and reflection.
For centuries, artists have been drawn to animals not only for their beauty and strength, but for the way they look back at us. In this exhibition, the gaze of the animal becomes a point of encounter — a moment where instinct meets awareness, and nature meets humanity. These works examine animals as beings with presence and agency, beyond symbolism or decoration.
The Animal Gaze invites artists to portray creatures both familiar and wild, observing their expressions, movements, and inner worlds. Through realism, abstraction, or conceptual approaches, each artwork captures a relationship between observer and observed, raising questions of empathy, coexistence, and respect.
This exhibition seeks to remind us that in meeting the eyes of another species, we are often confronted with ourselves — our responsibility, our curiosity, and our place within the living world.
For centuries, artists have been drawn to animals not only for their beauty and strength, but for the way they look back at us. In this exhibition, the gaze of the animal becomes a point of encounter — a moment where instinct meets awareness, and nature meets humanity. These works examine animals as beings with presence and agency, beyond symbolism or decoration.
The Animal Gaze invites artists to portray creatures both familiar and wild, observing their expressions, movements, and inner worlds. Through realism, abstraction, or conceptual approaches, each artwork captures a relationship between observer and observed, raising questions of empathy, coexistence, and respect.
This exhibition seeks to remind us that in meeting the eyes of another species, we are often confronted with ourselves — our responsibility, our curiosity, and our place within the living world.
ARTISTS’ ENTRY OPENS ON
1.5.2026.
1.5.2026.
Winning works will be unveiled here on
21.5.2026.
21.5.2026.
Kevin Wright, А small lizard sitting on top of a rock
Mood image
Mood image
winners
First Prize Winner
Liam R. Whitaker
Echoes Within the Gaze
Liam R. Whitaker
Echoes Within the Gaze
Mixed media with pastel pencils on board
76 x 42 cm
New Zealand
"A tiger’s eye, where the reflection of the wild savannah reveals the balance between predator, nature, and memory. The work invites the viewer to look beyond the animal itself and confront the disappearing world mirrored within its gaze."
76 x 42 cm
New Zealand
"A tiger’s eye, where the reflection of the wild savannah reveals the balance between predator, nature, and memory. The work invites the viewer to look beyond the animal itself and confront the disappearing world mirrored within its gaze."
Merit Award Winner
Douglas Aja, Watchful
Douglas Aja, Watchful
Bronze
United States
"Portrait of a cheetah."
United States
"Portrait of a cheetah."
Merit Award Winner
Cher Pruys, Guri
Cher Pruys, Guri
Acrylic on 300LB Hot Press
Canada
"Guri's green eyes, have a gaze that is both striking and luminous, acting as a vivid contrast to his pale, cream coat."
Canada
"Guri's green eyes, have a gaze that is both striking and luminous, acting as a vivid contrast to his pale, cream coat."
Merit Award Winner
Karen O'Neill-Brown,
Love is in the Hare
Karen O'Neill-Brown,
Love is in the Hare
Drawn on Grafix Drafting Film in Faber-Castell Polychromos and Caran d'Ache Luminance
United Kingdom
"Two Brown Hares meet. Their eyes lock; their gaze is intense, the attraction is immediate. Is it love at first sight?"
United Kingdom
"Two Brown Hares meet. Their eyes lock; their gaze is intense, the attraction is immediate. Is it love at first sight?"
Merit Award Winner
Olga Tkachova,
A sublime duet
Olga Tkachova,
A sublime duet
Pastel pencils on textured paper
Czech Republic
"This portrait of two horses explores the trust and emotional intelligence inherent in animals. The work conveys the contrast of strength and tenderness in their gaze and posture. The composition reflects the connection that exists not only between the horses themselves, but also between the animals and those who observe them."
Czech Republic
"This portrait of two horses explores the trust and emotional intelligence inherent in animals. The work conveys the contrast of strength and tenderness in their gaze and posture. The composition reflects the connection that exists not only between the horses themselves, but also between the animals and those who observe them."
Honorable Mention
Anne Marguet,
The messenger
Anne Marguet,
The messenger
Acrylic on linen canvas. (50 x 65 cm)
France
France
Honorable Mention
Beth Surdut,
Roadie eyes my camera
Beth Surdut,
Roadie eyes my camera
Photograph
United States
"Knowing I was in the presence of a giant cuckoo, a member of the Cuculidae family, I made up a song of coo-cooing invitations, which I first sang to this Greater Roadrunner one day when I was watering. I stayed in place by the four-foot-high wall by the arroyo, repeatedly cooing. Roadie traversed the top of the wall with his zygodactyl feet, walked up to me, cocked his head, and one of us fell in love. We went steady for two years."
United States
"Knowing I was in the presence of a giant cuckoo, a member of the Cuculidae family, I made up a song of coo-cooing invitations, which I first sang to this Greater Roadrunner one day when I was watering. I stayed in place by the four-foot-high wall by the arroyo, repeatedly cooing. Roadie traversed the top of the wall with his zygodactyl feet, walked up to me, cocked his head, and one of us fell in love. We went steady for two years."
Honorable Mention
Bobbe Jones, Shades of Gray
Bobbe Jones, Shades of Gray
Oil on Linen Canvas
United States
"I painted a close-up portrait of three horses set against a deep black field. It is painted with a limited palette of gray shades. The pale horse meets you with a reflective, searching eye while the darker flank in the foreground adds contrast and rhythm. My brushwork sculpts the mane and hair with fine detail, revealing a mix of curiosity and quiet companionship between them. The composition leans toward the mysterious without losing warmth — it lingers in the mind after a glance."
United States
"I painted a close-up portrait of three horses set against a deep black field. It is painted with a limited palette of gray shades. The pale horse meets you with a reflective, searching eye while the darker flank in the foreground adds contrast and rhythm. My brushwork sculpts the mane and hair with fine detail, revealing a mix of curiosity and quiet companionship between them. The composition leans toward the mysterious without losing warmth — it lingers in the mind after a glance."
Honorable Mention
Brigitte B Burckhardt, Gili
Brigitte B Burckhardt, Gili
Digital Photography
Switzerland
"Admiring my cat’s sweet face and his beautiful eyes."
Switzerland
"Admiring my cat’s sweet face and his beautiful eyes."
Honorable Mention
Casey Nadine Banwell,
The Thinker
Casey Nadine Banwell,
The Thinker
Bronze resin sculpture
United Kingdom
"The Thinker explores the emotional depth and intelligence of the gorilla, inviting the viewer to reflect on humanity’s relationship with the natural world. The sculpture was created to raise awareness and support conservation efforts protecting endangered primates and their habitats."
United Kingdom
"The Thinker explores the emotional depth and intelligence of the gorilla, inviting the viewer to reflect on humanity’s relationship with the natural world. The sculpture was created to raise awareness and support conservation efforts protecting endangered primates and their habitats."
Honorable Mention
Frank Boyle,
India Dog 2
Frank Boyle,
India Dog 2
Oil on canvas
Australia
"This painting depicts a typical stray dog found roaming the streets of India, often in packs and surviving by their wits."
Australia
"This painting depicts a typical stray dog found roaming the streets of India, often in packs and surviving by their wits."
Honorable Mention
Gaby Roter,
Nature as Mirror and Reminder
Gaby Roter,
Nature as Mirror and Reminder
Ink, acrylic and Silver leaf on canvas
Germany
Germany
Honorable Mention
Gale Hagblom,
Parrot
Gale Hagblom,
Parrot
Oil on canvas
Canada
"Came upon this parrot in Hawaii on a family trip. She was caged but I removed that in my art. She or he demonstrated strength, in spite of being locked up for tourists to view."
Canada
"Came upon this parrot in Hawaii on a family trip. She was caged but I removed that in my art. She or he demonstrated strength, in spite of being locked up for tourists to view."
Honorable Mention
Gerhard Kroyer,
Animal Energy
Gerhard Kroyer,
Animal Energy
Digital Painting
Austria
"The painting evokes the primal energy of the animal world through shifting forms and instinctive motion. Its flowing body suggests a hybrid creature, part predator, part desert wanderer, capturing the grace, tension, and mystery found in animals as they move."
Austria
"The painting evokes the primal energy of the animal world through shifting forms and instinctive motion. Its flowing body suggests a hybrid creature, part predator, part desert wanderer, capturing the grace, tension, and mystery found in animals as they move."
Honorable Mention
Chad Robert Collofello,
Impact
Chad Robert Collofello,
Impact
91 x 102cm
Heavy Body Acrylic on Stretched Canvas
United States
Heavy Body Acrylic on Stretched Canvas
United States
Honorable Mention
Jauneth Skinner,
Catbird Seat
Jauneth Skinner,
Catbird Seat
Linocut with watercolor on paper. Limited edition hand pulled print
United States
"Camille, my calico Siamese cat with her friend, a red-winged blackbird."
United States
"Camille, my calico Siamese cat with her friend, a red-winged blackbird."
Honorable Mention
Kelly McNeil,
Owls of Gibbons Park
Kelly McNeil,
Owls of Gibbons Park
Oil on canvas
Canada
"Great Horned Owls come to a specific tree at Gibbons Park every year to bread."
Canada
"Great Horned Owls come to a specific tree at Gibbons Park every year to bread."
Honorable Mention
Kylo-Patrick Hart,
Brothers
Kylo-Patrick Hart,
Brothers
Digital photograph
United States
"A favorite animal image captured at a Maine state fair."
United States
"A favorite animal image captured at a Maine state fair."
Honorable Mention
Lori Evensen,
Horse Play
Lori Evensen,
Horse Play
Acrylic on Hardboard painting spans 9 x 12 inches
United States
"It expresses the energy, strength, speed and spirit of horses."
United States
"It expresses the energy, strength, speed and spirit of horses."
Honorable Mention
Malcolm Glass,
Sad Merlin
Malcolm Glass,
Sad Merlin
Color photograph
United States
United States
Honorable Mention
Marissa Madonna,
Penny
Marissa Madonna,
Penny
Acrylic and Colored Pencil on Hot Press Watercolor Board
United States
"This was a special commissioned portrait for my longtime illustration client and collaborative partner, of his cat Penny."
United States
"This was a special commissioned portrait for my longtime illustration client and collaborative partner, of his cat Penny."
Honorable Mention
Martli Heyns,
The Gaze Remains
Martli Heyns,
The Gaze Remains
Watercolor on Cold Press 100% Cotton Paper
South Africa
"By removing detail, I feel that the emotion becomes clearer, the strength more direct, the presence almost louder in its quietness."
South Africa
"By removing detail, I feel that the emotion becomes clearer, the strength more direct, the presence almost louder in its quietness."
Honorable Mention
Michelle Delanty,
Wee
Michelle Delanty,
Wee
Watercolor on panel
United States
"I chose this piece as Wee's soulful eyes are one of his most captivating features."
United States
"I chose this piece as Wee's soulful eyes are one of his most captivating features."
Honorable Mention
N. Lee Wade,
Out of My Shell
N. Lee Wade,
Out of My Shell
Oil on canvas
United States
"This is my backyard buddy saying hello."
United States
"This is my backyard buddy saying hello."
Honorable Mention
Nancy Allen,
Sisters
Nancy Allen,
Sisters
Colored Pencil on Smooth Bristol Plate
United States
"A mirrored image of two Thoroughbred sisters."
United States
"A mirrored image of two Thoroughbred sisters."
Honorable Mention
Neil Chatterjee,
All, Injustice, Vulnerable
Neil Chatterjee,
All, Injustice, Vulnerable
United States
"Climate change is the biggest threat to is all, from flora to fauna. Because of the result of abuse of the land for profit, many fauna and flora lives are at risk. I ask the audience, especially climate deniers to look at the piece and realize that climate denial is an injustice to everyone."
"Climate change is the biggest threat to is all, from flora to fauna. Because of the result of abuse of the land for profit, many fauna and flora lives are at risk. I ask the audience, especially climate deniers to look at the piece and realize that climate denial is an injustice to everyone."
Honorable Mention
Netta Ganor,
Unguarded
Netta Ganor,
Unguarded
Oil on canvas
Israel
By the courtesy of the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists worldwide
"Pure trust rendered in oil - a dog lost in sleep, soft and unguarded on a quiet afternoon."
Israel
By the courtesy of the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists worldwide
"Pure trust rendered in oil - a dog lost in sleep, soft and unguarded on a quiet afternoon."
Honorable Mention
Paul Kline,
Oh Yeah!
Paul Kline,
Oh Yeah!
Photography
United States
"I managed to capture my adorable cat while he was stickling out his tong."
United States
"I managed to capture my adorable cat while he was stickling out his tong."
Honorable Mention
Pete Marshall,
Osprey Intent
Pete Marshall,
Osprey Intent
Coloured pencil on Colorfix
Australia
"These birds are such amazing hunters, diving into the waters to secure their catch. Their eyes are adapted with a nictitating membrane for protection in this style of hunting which also has to take into account the refraction effect of the water. Their
gaze is fierce and intense, as in guarding their catch and discouraging predation by others.
When this bird flew towards me I could see all this in all its intensity."
Australia
"These birds are such amazing hunters, diving into the waters to secure their catch. Their eyes are adapted with a nictitating membrane for protection in this style of hunting which also has to take into account the refraction effect of the water. Their
gaze is fierce and intense, as in guarding their catch and discouraging predation by others.
When this bird flew towards me I could see all this in all its intensity."
Honorable Mention
Rui Miguel Tavares Ferreira,
Cissi...
Rui Miguel Tavares Ferreira,
Cissi...
Photography
Portugal
Portugal
Honorable Mention
Susan Brinkmann,
Bosse
Susan Brinkmann,
Bosse
Coloured pencils on paper
Netherlands
"Commissioned portrait for a family in Sweden."
Netherlands
"Commissioned portrait for a family in Sweden."
Honorable Mention
Tanya Finch,
I am home
Tanya Finch,
I am home
Graphite on paper
United States
United States
Selected Finalists
Anne Marguet — Chapter VI Megin — 2026
Anne Marguet — In Indrah's eyes — 2025
Barry Douglas Smylie — Desert Deer — 2021
Beth Surdut — Eye of the Heron — 2024
Beth Surdut — Rescued Great Horned Owlet — 2025
Bobbe Jones — Elf Owl Gaze — 2025
Bobbe Jones — The Wrangler — 2024
Casey Nadine Banwell — Long Arm — 2022
Casey Nadine Banwell — Protection — 2022
Casey Nadine Banwell — Rango — 2020
Domka Komorowska — A dog in the driver's seat of a car — 2024
Frank Boyle — Macaque Monkeys, Jaipur 2 — 2020
Frank Boyle — Varanasi Dog Study 1 — 2020
Gaby Roter — The kings — 2026
Gaby Roter — The Last call — 2026
Gale Hagblom - Overseeing - 2013
Gale Hagblom - Wolf - 2009
Gerhard Kroyer — Birds Flight — 2025
Gerhard Kroyer — The Monster — 2025
Gregory Supple — Fawncie is Fussy — 2026
Chad Robert Collofello — Fledgling — 2018
Chad Robert Collofello — Identity — 2022
Cher Pruys — Buttercup — 2025
Cher Pruys — Sea Turtles — 2018
Jauneth Skinner — Attitude — 2017
Jauneth Skinner — Butterfly Effect Too — 2021
Karen O'Neill-Brown — That All-Seeing Gaze — 2024
Karen O'Neill-Brown — Watching Over You — 2026
Kelly McNeil — Alpha — 2024
Kylo-Patrick Hart — Peekabooing — 2022
Kylo-Patrick Hart — Reindeer Journey — 2026
Lori Evensen — Patience — 2022
Lori Evensen — Unexpected Friendship — 2025
Malcolm Glass — Here's Looking at You — 2023
Malcolm Glass — Tituba — 2026
Maria do Céu Figueiredo — Elefante — 2022
Maria do Céu Figueiredo — Mabeco — 2025
Maria do Céu Figueiredo — Poder Oculto — 2025
Martli Heyns — Held in the Light — 2026
Martli Heyns — The Rest Is Silence — 2026
Mary Freericks — Lion — 2023
Mary Freericks — Toucan — 2025
Michelle Delanty — Hennessy — 2023
Michelle Delanty — Sheltered — 2026
Nancy Allen — End of Fall — 2025
Nancy Allen — Outgrowing Polo — 2022
Neil Chatterjee — God Please Save Me — 2025
Neil Chatterjee — Stained Box of Palestine — 2024
Netta Ganor — Our Friend from the Park — 2025
Netta Ganor — Three Horses — 2026
Paul Kline — Stork Nest — 2026
Paul Kline — Stork Nest — 2026
Pete Marshall — Bonobo gaze — 2023
Pete Marshall — The Stare of a Snow Leopard — 2024
Rui Miguel Tavares Ferreira — Silver... — 2024
Rui Miguel Tavares Ferreira — Throne... — 2018
Sheryl Lee — Mad Flamingo — 2025
Sheryl Lee — Mad Heron — 2025
Susan Brinkmann — Perissa cat — 2012
Susan Brinkmann — Smila — 2019
Tanya Finch — Jouiy — 2026
Tanya Finch — What Is next — 2026
Apply to Participate
Artists are invited to submit their work for participation in this exhibition.
Artist Entry
Participation fee. Submit up to 3 artworks for curatorial review and prizes.
20
€
Contest RULES
Timeline
1.5.2026
Open call announcement
1.5. – 14.5.2026
Submission deadline
15.5. – 20.5.2026
Curatorial review
21.5.2026
Winners revealed
Prizes & Recognition
Every FAME FRAME competition is designed as a moment of recognition. Beyond monetary awards, each distinction affirms the dignity of the artist’s work, ensuring it is seen, remembered, and connected with an international audience of collectors.
Our prizes embody both excellence and visibility: from the First Prize, which offers permanent placement in the Winner’s Collection, to Merit Awards and finalist recognitions that highlight artistic distinction.
Our prizes embody both excellence and visibility: from the First Prize, which offers permanent placement in the Winner’s Collection, to Merit Awards and finalist recognitions that highlight artistic distinction.
First Prize
The highest honor, awarded to the most outstanding work of the exhibition.
· 100–200 € cash prize
· Digital Certificate of Excellence
· Permanent placement in the Winner’s Collection on our website
· 100–200 € cash prize
· Digital Certificate of Excellence
· Permanent placement in the Winner’s Collection on our website
Merit Awards
Distinguished works selected by curators for their excellence and originality.
· 25–50 € cash prize
· Digital Certificate of Recognition
· Visibility among international collectors
· 25–50 € cash prize
· Digital Certificate of Recognition
· Visibility among international collectors
Honorable Mentions
Notable entries recognized for their artistic quality and relevance.
· Digital Certificate of Recognition
· Visibility among international collectors
· Digital Certificate of Recognition
· Visibility among international collectors
Selected Finalists
Curated works showcased in the official online exhibition.
· Visibility among international collectors
· Visibility among international collectors
Submission Rules
Who can apply
Open worldwide to artists aged 18 and above. Artists under 18 may participate only with the consent and completed submission form of a parent or legal guardian.
Theme
Each contest is built around a curated theme. Only works that clearly respond to the announced theme will be considered for selection.
Off-topic submissions will be disqualified without refund.
Off-topic submissions will be disqualified without refund.
Submission limit
Each entry allows up to 3 artworks (1 required, 2 optional).
Digital files: JPG or PNG, minimum 2000px on the longest side, up to 10 MB each.
Digital files: JPG or PNG, minimum 2000px on the longest side, up to 10 MB each.
Application Process
Entry Fee
· Participation requires a 20 € non-refundable entry fee.
· Entry fees are non-refundable, even if a work is not selected.
· Entry fees are non-refundable, even if a work is not selected.
Rights
· All works must be original and created solely by the submitting artist.
· Artists retain full copyright to their works.
· By submitting, artists grant FAME FRAME Gallery the right to exhibit selected works online, promote them across digital platforms, and include them in press releases or newsletters.
· Artists retain full copyright to their works.
· By submitting, artists grant FAME FRAME Gallery the right to exhibit selected works online, promote them across digital platforms, and include them in press releases or newsletters.
Artist Entry
Participation fee. Submit up to 3 artworks for curatorial review and prizes.
20
€