Arabeschi. International Journal of Literature and Visual Studies
The four-monthly on-line journal Arabeschi, founded by a group of researchers based at different Italian and foreign universities, is devoted to the investigation of the relationships and interactions between the verbal and the visual codes. Our attention shall focus on contemporary Italian literature as a transmedial experience, related to old and new visual media. This field has not yet been adequately explored in the perspective of visual studies, which may offer promising research insights.
The main aim of the journal is to pinpoint new research areas and objects, by means of an inquiry into intermediality and performativity, based on a wide and multifaceted notion of ‘text’. Moreover, Arabeschi shall foster a lively dialogue with contemporary authors and encourage in-depth discussions on current theoretical and critical issues.
The journal will be organized into two parts. The first one will be the periodical issue, comprising papers and monographic inquiries. The second one, a dynamic and continuously updated space, including reviews and short essays, will draw an in-progress map not only of the most important outcomes in the field of visual studies but also of the most innovative transmedial and performative experiences. Both these parts will be made up of three sections.
1. Ekphrasis
Modern literature displays frequent references to different codes and languages connected with the visual dimension. Such hints, ranging from the simple mention of works of art to detailed ekphrastic fragments, not only reflect authorial tastes and aesthetic predilections but also play a pivotal role in the shaping of texts.
2. Et et (hybrid texts)
Crossing the boundaries between genres and forms, this section shall focus on examples of hybridism and contamination between languages and aesthetic codes (literature and photography, theatre and ‘new media’, literature and cinema, figurative arts, architecture, television).
3. In forma di (genres and forms)
The third section will be devoted to genres and forms that are traditionally based on the interaction between words and images: children’s and young adult fiction, travel literature, illustrated books, film adaptations, comics, photographic reportages, documentaries.
Call for papers
The editorial board welcomes two kinds of original contributions to be considered for publication: a) papers, to be published in the periodical issue; b) reviews, to be included in the continuously updated space.
Articles
The first periodical issue is scheduled for December 2012. Articles are accepted in either English or Italian and should not normally exceed 7,000 words in length including notes. Proposals for the first issue should be submitted by 31st May 2012. Authors are expected to send an abstract (c. 250-300 words) and a short CV to the address
[log in to unmask] The object of the email should be the author’s name and the title of the proposed contribution. Articles accepted for publication must be submitted in their final version by 15th September 2012, accompanied by an abstract in English (c. 200 words).
All manuscripts submitted to Arabeschi are peer-reviewed according to a double-blind peer review process. Both external referees and authors will be kept anonymous. Relying on the referees’ comments, the editorial board will make a final decision on the acceptability of contributions. Authors will be sent a detailed form with referees’ comments and the final decision, which can be: a) Accept submission; b) Revisions required; c) Decline submission.
Reviews
The editorial board welcomes and evaluates proposals for reviews. Authors are expected to send an email to
[log in to unmask], just mentioning the title of the book, film, exhibition, play or performance proposed for review. Selected reviews (c. 700 words) will be published in the continuously updated space of the journal and could be released also in the regular issue.
The acceptance of proposals will be notified to the authors in two weeks’ time. Accepted manuscripts should conform to the format guidelines provided by the editorial board.
