A broad scope encouraging creativity while asking for a collective exploration of what unites us—
We invited artists to explore shared experiences, connections, and the intersection of diverse perspectives. It can be framed in a way that resonates with universal and collective truths, while leaving ample room for personal and cultural interpretation. We wanted work that reflects how we uniquely fit into the whole. Exploring how our art speaks to the world and why we make artwork. Artists thought about their missions. Art unifies us all and keeps our record of humanity. We asked what role each individual’s artwork plays.
We live in a world of contrasts—unique identities, varied beliefs, and diverse landscapes—yet we share more than we may initially see. "Common Ground" explores the spaces where our lives intersect, where mutual understanding thrives, and where art serves as a bridge between differences.
Reflections on:
The universal aspects of human existence—love, resilience, curiosity, and loss.
Shared spaces, whether physical, emotional, or metaphorical, where people from different walks of life connect.
The role of art as a unifying force, capable of fostering dialogue and empathy.
We have included and welcomed submissions in all mediums, from painting and sculpture to digital art, photography, and performance pieces. Whether work highlighted moments of harmony, contrasts that spark connection, or a vision for unity in a fragmented world, we always want to see it.
We hope we all find some "Common Ground" together—through the transformative power of art.
Co-Founder of the Biennial Ríos Intermitentes in Matanzas, Cuba. Top 15 exhibitions of 2019 by Hyperallergic Magazine. Master’s Degree in Arts Administration from Boston University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Communication from Havana University. Artists Practice Fellow at the Arts and Business Council of Greater Boston + the Boston Public Art Triennial Curatorial Fellow
Amor Díaz-Campos, MSc.
Curatorial Statement
“The curatorial process for Common Ground was guided by a desire to explore the intersections of identity, experience, and collective understanding through diverse artistic voices. In selecting works for the exhibition, I sought pieces that not only reflect personal and collective narratives, but also invite dialogue, challenging, affirming, and expanding our perceptions of shared humanity.
I was drawn to artists whose practices embrace complexity and exploration, whether through form, storytelling, or material experimentatio. Common Ground is a celebration of the ways in which art unites us, offering moments of recognition in a world that often emphasizes division. Through this exhibition, I hope to highlight the power of art as a bridge, reminding us that within our differences, we are deeply connected.”
Amor is a curator from Cuba who is passionate about the transformative and healing power of the arts. She is fascinated by the unique and yet universal way in which art can tell a story, convey deep emotions, and help us understand and see ourselves, creating spaces for meaningful dialogue and connection.
In 2019, Amor Díaz Campos co-founded the Biennial Ríos Intermitentes in Matanzas, Cuba, with Nashville-based Cuban artist María Magdalena Campos-Pons. This biennial explores themes of memory, heritage, identity, and race, while addressing the specific needs of the Matanzas community. It was recognized as one of the top 15 exhibitions of 2019 by Hyperallergic Magazine and is now in its third edition.
Amor believes that artists hold the key to finding creative solutions to the most pressing issues of our time. She earned her Master’s Degree in Arts Administration from Boston University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Communication from Havana University. She currently serves as the Artists Practice Fellow at the Arts and Business Council of Greater Boston, and the Boston Public Art Triennial Curatorial fellow.
Juror’s Choice Selections
ART: CYNTHIA YI CHEN
1st Place:
CYNTHIA YI CHEN
“Cynthia Yi Chen’s work navigates the fluid intersections of identity, exploring the multiplicities within the self. Through layered perspectives, her practice highlights how even within our own uniqueness, we hold traces of collective experience. Her work speaks to the profound ways in which internal diversity connects us across cultures and histories.” —Amor Díaz Campos
Artist will receive a Solo Virtual Exhibition Package
Virtual exhibition of max 12 pieces of art published on our website,
a promotion on our social media.
2nd Place:
ABU MWENYE
“Abu Mwenye’s work is a vibrant testament to the richness of identity, which is key to understanding our shared humanity. Communities thrive when we are able to acknowledge, embrace and uplift all our multiplicity. His work reminds us that this is not just an act of self-discovery, but a pathway to shared understanding.” —Amor Díaz Campos
Artist will receive a Feature Interview Package
Published on our blog, + 2 complimentary social media posts.
3rd Place:
YOUVELINE JOSEPH
“At a time when diversity is being politicized and weaponized, artists have the power to correct the narratives imposed by those trying to divide us. Youveline Joseph’s work reclaims the power of representation. Art is resistance, truth, and unity, the constant reminder of our Common Ground.” —Amor Díaz Campos
Artist will receive a Feature Interview Package
Published on our blog, and 1 social media push.
Honorary Mention:
PAULA BORSETTI
“I love abstraction, because from the simplest to the most complex of them, it gives our imagination complete freedom to experience it under our own terms. We start making up our own shapes and our own narratives, and when they align with those of a complete stranger or the artists, that’s where we start to find Common Ground.” —Amor Díaz Campos
Artist will receive a social media push
——————— Winning artists are asked to contact us to set after prizes are announced to set up their packages. ———————
ARTISTS of COMMON GROUND
When you are curated into a Juniper Rag exhibition…
Promotion on our social media channels
Virtual exhibition published on our website
Join our supportive international art community
Exhibit work to new audiences outside of your network
Opportunities to connect with our curators
Gain new artist collaborators and collector following
Enjoy benefits of our paid promotions for exhibitions that increasing our reach
Select artists earn access to exclusive calls for art
ABU MWENYE @artbyabu.m
ROGER RICE @r_d_rice
MARIA MERLINO
ORI AVIRAM @oriaviram5
PAULA BORSETTI @paula_locuststreetstudios
NANCY WRIGHT @wrightpixphotos
KATHRYN SHAGAS @kathrynshagas
YOUVELINE JOSEPH @youvelinescreations
CYNTHIA YI CHEN @yicynthiachen
ANNA FUBINI @anna_fubini_art
GREG CREEK @greg.creek.art
JAMAAL BONNETTE
TRACY HAYES @tracyhayesart
DINA DOYLE @dina.doyle.art
