Dasein: An Invitation to Hang is part of an interactive, month-long artist in residency at the Ace Hotel New York in celebration of the snapshot. It was conceived as a living, breathing, interactive work of social art.

The photos you see on this website are a mix of my work and snapshots that have been submitted by photographers all over the world. In addition to the images you see here, I’m curating a selection images from this website that subsequently hang in the physical gallery at Ace Hotel New York. The gallery is updated EVERY day with hundreds of new prints. If you’re in the neighborhood (29th & Broadway) please stop by.

Anyone is welcome to submit your work here and there is no limit to the number of quality snapshots that you can contribute. If you've already sent in some images, then send some more. If you haven't yet contributed, now is the time. Please join me in this unique project.

-Chase Jarvis
[follow me on twitter @chasejarvis]

The German word Dasein has been used by Heidegger and numerous other philosophers to refer to raw human existence -- the fundamental mode of “being there.” When applied to photography, this everyday-ness is most revealed by the snapshot.


Over time and without our knowledge, the snapshot has become the most meaningful visual storyboard we have of simply “being” in the world. The snapshot is pure, direct, unmediated expression and, refreshingly, it lacks academic influence or vogue. At once a celebration of life and a reminder of our mortality, the snapshot awakens us to realize that we each have a limited number of these discrete, fleeting moments in our lives.


When aggregated, snapshots readily precipitate a simple, yet profound, matter of “being there”, that irrevocably reflects what it means to be human.

Frequent Questions

Is it okay if my pic contains a watermark?

Sure, if you’d like, but if it has a watermark, the likelihood of it making it up on to the gallery wall is greatly diminished.

Do submissions have to be snapshots taken from today forward?

No. Submissions can be old or new. Just make sure you have permission to submit them.

How often will photos be printed and hung at the Ace Hotel?

New photos will be selected, printed and hung every day until the installation comes down.

How many photos can an individual submit?

There is no formal limit to the number of photos you can submit. Just please keep it reasonable.

Will we be notified if our photo is chosen?

No. Not unless you come in to check out the gallery space everyday.

Are we limited to what kind of cameras we can use (e.g. phone snapshots)?

No, you can (and should) use any camera you have.

Who owns the rights to the images once you upload them to Tumblr? Am I giving up creative right to my photos?

According to Tumblr’s Terms of Service, you own your images and grant Tumblr certain usage rights described on this page: http://www.invitationtohang.com/terms_of_submission

Can I submit edited photos?

Photos can be edited or unedited at your discretion.

Will model releases be required for people shots?

No model release will be required by us, but it is always a good idea to have one. Since you agree to the terms that Tumblr sets forth you are agreeing that you have all rights to the image.

Can I only submit snapshots or can I submit work?

You can submit any photos you like, however the theme of Dasein is snapshots, so keep that in mind when considering what to submit.

When is the gallery opening party?

TBA. Watch Chase’s blog for details: http://www.chasejarvis.com/blog

Do you want SOOC pictures or are effects and processing allowed?

You can submit either type.

Are analog based mediums accepted?

Yes they are. Absolutely.

Can we submit other forms of work like video and films?

No, please only submit still photos.

What about pictures of anonymous people/children on the street?

As long as you obtained the photos through legal means they are acceptable.

May I submit someone else’s photo?  

No.

Are you considering taking the exhibit to other Ace Hotels?

Anything is possible, but right now the exhibit is only slated for the Ace NYC.

Is there any reward for submission?

The reward for your submission to Dasein is that your images may be selected for installation in the Ace Hotel. There is no financial compensation for submissions.

How long will the gallery be displayed?

The show runs now through June 24th, 2011.

What size and resolution are you looking for?

Jpegs with a LONG side of around 1000px are best, but you can submit what ever size you’d like.

How many prints will fill the space?

Approximately 450.

Is post processing discouraged?

Rather than getting hung up in post or no-post, just present the best image you can, whether that have some post or not is up to you.

Mono or color, does it matter?

Either one is great.

How long is the gallery at the Ace Hotel going to be kept up once the project is completed?

The project and the gallery will both be over after June 30th.

This is a cool idea… but why is there a bed in the middle of the gallery?

For you to lie in.