Painting the Stage: Examining the interrelationship of painting and the performing arts.

The relationship between the theatre and painting is a traditional but complex one. Artists are often drawn to the performing arts, finding in them inspiration for their work. In addition, many artists have often worked in the theatre; designing sets, costumes, etc.

This conference aims to explore the relationship between European painting and the performing arts over the last three centuries. The period covers the development, and growth, of the modern theatre and the advent of film and television.

Papers are invited from postgraduate students on the following themes: depictions of performances and performers; artists as actors in theatre, film and television; the representation of the artist on stage and screen; painters as designers for stage and screen; the role of narrative, gesture and the concept of the ‘spectacle’ in painting; artifice in theatre and painting; the creation of narrative and character in painting and on stage and screen; the different ways in which viewers/audiences experience and respond to paintings and theatrical performances.

Proposals for 20-minute papers are invited. Proposals should be no more than 300 words, and should include name, position and institutional affiliation.