"The Paradigm of Conceptual Art"

at the 38th Annual AAH Conference & Bookfair The Open University, Milton Keynes 29 - 31 March 2012

Deadline: 7 November 2011 Session Convenor: Eve Kalyva, e.m.kalyva@gmail.com

Conceptual art has problematised the status of the artobject in relation to criticism, history and theory. In relation to contemporary art production, the practices and legacy of conceptual art have gained new attention as a legitimising paradigm. But what kind of object did conceptual art put forward? How does the reference to conceptual art help us locate art’s critical potential today?

This session invites critical reflection on conceptual art and its historical, social, art historical and discursive context. It wishes to re-address the legacy of conceptual art as a legitimising paradigm and its relation to contemporary forms of producing, presenting and theorising art. In addition, we hope to explore the configurations of the space of art as a social space that conceptual art practices put forward in order to locate a model for articulating the sociality of art.

Papers are welcomed that explore these themes in relation to aspects of conceptual art from the 60s, or more contemporary forms of artistic production that make a claim on the legacy of conceptual art. Topics for discussion might include: the appropriation or dissolution of traditional object/subject hierarchies; the intersecting roles of the artist/critic/spectator; the visual presence of language; collaborative practices beyond the art institution; marketing and institutionalisation; historicity and contemporaneity; the currency of concepts such as ‘conceptualism’ and ‘post conceptual’; the politicisation of the space of installation.

To propose a paper, please send your proposal abstract to the session convenor Eve Kalyva (e.m.kalyva@gmail.com) by 7 November 2011. Proposals should be no more than 250 words; please include your name and institutional affiliation (if applicable).

For further information, including conditions of submissions, see http://www.aah.org.uk/page/3327