Art is activism. With that sentiment in mind, the Salem Art Gallery presents “Inviolable Body”. This juried exhibit is the result of our 2025 Open Call for Art, asking artists to submit work with themes of bodily autonomy, inspired by The Satanic Temple’s Third Tenet, “One’s body is inviolable, subject to one’s own will alone.” Our curator believes that unrecognized talent is abundant, and hosts an annual “Open Call for Art” to discover new talent and unite emerging and established artists from around the world. Each year, this open call yields a juried exhibition showcasing the artwork that best aligns with its theme. 

Our 2025 Open Call for Art received over 100 submissions. The work presented here, handpicked by our curator, represents a human desire for freedom. A desire to be whoever we decide, without shame cast by society or government. A desire to be inviolable.  

Inviolable: adjective never to be broken, infringed, or dishonored.

Bodily autonomy has been a central pillar of The Satanic Temple's mission since its founding. TST is taking many steps on behalf of our members and those who share our beliefs to establish exemptions from laws that do not promote the health and safety of patients and violate our conscience and beliefs. Learn more about this work on The Satanic Temple’s Website.

This exhibition features over 25 artists from around the world who have explored bodily autonomy in their work. Through each artist's unique voice, viewers are invited to walk in another’s shoes and experience what autonomy means for their peers, colleagues, and loved ones. By the careful selection of pieces, our curator hopes to amplify the voices of underrepresented and marginalized individuals in a world that tries to stifle them. .