Submission Guidelines
ISSUE || FLUIDS OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS
Our fascination with this theme encompasses both literal and metaphorical interpretations. Fluids, in their multiplicity, shape our experiences, bodies, and social structures. How do fluids reveal the hidden order within disorder? How do they challenge or reinforce boundaries? Are fluids without foundation?
The energy that permeates everything can be found in the fluid, dynamic processes that resist habitual strings and encourage expansion. The interplay between stability and fluidity- dissociating from fixed states and embracing the fluid nature of existence- is a crucial aspect of our physical and psychological state.
Fluids symbolise change, resilience, and the uncontainable aspects of life. From the sensual and seductive qualities of summer to the lifelines of clinical drips, and the unpredictable nature of the ocean, fluids defy rigid boundaries. They are integral to our bodily functions and societal rituals, representing everything from survival to sensuality, from bodily fluids to societal flows.
Water, in its various forms, represents both the essence and the extremes of life. Oceans, rivers, and rain embody the depths of nature, the lore of violence, and feminine purgatory, while droughts and floods illustrate uncertainty and extremes. Fluids can signify fluidity in identity, gender, and sexuality, challenging classifications and binaries. Cultural rituals and religious rites often involve fluids to mark significant transitions, such as purification rites or communal feasts.
Consider the essential role of fluids within our bodies- blood, sweat, tears, saliva, and other bodily secretions. How do these fluids maintain life, signify emotions, and influence social interactions? We invite you to explore the intimate and sometimes taboo aspects of fluids in contexts such as desire, menstruation, and childbirth.
We are open to all forms of multimedia narration from all kinds of researchers, ethnographers, writers, photographers, and flys on the wall. The work we publish reflects a thorough engagement with ethnographic storytelling as an artistic form. We are interested in unparalleled pieces that deepen solidarity with lived experiences.
We invite contributors to be mindful and reflexive in acknowledging their positionalities. Recognising and reflecting on our own identities, perspectives, biases, and power dynamics can greatly enrich the depth and authenticity of anthropological practice. It influences how we perceive, influence and interact with ideas. We encourage you to start from your own perspective and situatedness in the world.
We believe traditional written accounts are just one facet of the ethnographic mosaic. Third Shelf embodies ethnography as a dynamic tool that enables us to refine, imagine and explore the multivocal, social, intimate, and collaborative. Theoretical influence is welcomed into submissions but it is the authenticity of voices and personal engagement that breathe life into our work. Let it not eclipse and hinder the journey.
We accept any kind of format such as essays, biographies, visual essays, graphic novels, soundscapes, etc. We publish a call for submissions regularly. If you have any other project in mind feel free to reach out to us. We are always open to suggestions and new collaborators.
Submission Guidelines:
Format: Please submit your work as a Word document.
Length: Essays and stories should be between 1,000 and 3,500 words. Poetry can vary in length and can include multilingual structures. We would love it if you included some images or visual prompts.
Visual art and Multimedia: Submit high-resolution images or links to digital projects, together with a short descriptive text.
Sonic Recordings: Send us your project in MP3 and a short descriptive text.
Deadline: Submissions are due by 30th September
Email: Please send your submissions to thirdshelfjournal@gmail.com