italian-studies: Scholarly discussions in any field of Italian studies
An international conference hosted by the IGRS, London and
University of Oslo to be held on 18-20 May 2009 at Stewart House, Malet
Street, London WC1E 7HU.
Co-ordinators: Dr Kjetil Enstad
(University of Oslo / The Norwegian Military Academy), Matthew Wraith (Birkbeck
College), Dr Aino Rinhaug (University of Oslo / IGRS)
From the way that our post-postmodern times of
climate change and high-speed globalisation require an updated perspective on
the nature of art and literature, we believe that a focus on the making and
circulation of art and literature invites a fruitful, inter-disciplinary debate
about our aesthetic understanding. By emphasising the aspects of production,
circulation, distribution and reception across Anglo-Saxon, Germanic and
Romance borders – national, cultural, disciplinary etc. - we believe that
the notion of aesthetic signification and intention is in constant change. A
central topic for discussion would be to what extent must an aesthetic object
be considered self-productive in its migratory nature, and to what extent is
the object created in its reception? If, as Derrida has put it, the
"story" (event) crosses within itself the archive of the 'real' and
the archive of 'fiction,' we must seek to highlight anew the topographical
aspect of drawing (creating, erasing) borders and boundaries across and between
which art and literature are inscribed. The aim is to trace productive
boundaries, whether they are between different art disciplines, between the
real and the fictitious, or on the national, geographical or cultural level.
Papers on (aspects of) the
following topics are especially welcome:
---Location: On The Making of Style: by
looking at the scene of contemporary art and literature, we seek to question
what, or who might be in a position of making an authoritative judgement on the
aspect of artistic style. Can we situate the concept of style, be it good or
bad? What does style mean today and how, or to what extent is anybody engaged
in its significant making? Papers are welcome to address the topic of creative
activity on site
and its constant negotiations across various borders of artistic
practices.
--- Politics of Production and Technology: by
focusing on the aspects of production and technology, we intend to examine
closer what ethical boundaries are being made, moved or even eliminated when
art and literature come into being as products, and hence as voices and
witnesses of our times. What tools
go into the production of an artistic object? Is it possible to single out
unique forms and techniques of production, or is an aesthetic product of today
intrinsically related to a larger, infinite field of mass
production?
--- Reception, deception and the art of walking around in
circles: If art and literature can be said to migrate across
boundaries and paradigms of understanding (making and reception), we must seek
to elaborate on the topics of migration, transportation and evolution of the
aesthetic object. Regardless of whether we are situated at the head or tail end
of the productive process, as producers or consumers, it would seem as if our
creative engagement takes place in the middle, in a circular movement of
production and consummation. Papers are welcome to address the topic of circulation, hence
heredity and genealogy in the aesthetic field.
Confirmed keynote
speakers:
Ina Blom (Associate Professor,
Department of Philosophy, Classics, History of Art and Ideas, University of
Oslo)
Simon Critchley (Professor,
Department of Philosophy, The New School for Social Research, New York)
Bernard Stiegler (Director of
Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris)
A selection of papers will be
considered for publication after the conference. Please send abstracts (250
words) before 31 December 2008 to:
Dr Kjetil Enstad: [log in to unmask]
Dr Aino Rinhaug: [log in to unmask]
Matthew Wraith: [log in to unmask]
Flo Austin
Institute
Administrator
Institute of
Germanic & Romance Studies
School of Advanced
Study, University of London Senate House, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU
Tel: 020 7862 8677;
fax 020 7862 8672
Web: http://igrs.sas.ac.uk
<http://igrs.sas.ac.uk>