9th SAR-International Conference on Artistic Research
University of Plymouth, April 11-13 2018
ARTISTIC RESEARCH WILL EAT ITSELF
The provocation Artistic Research Will Eat Itself can be understood as a warning against the dangers of methodological introspection, or as a playful invitation to explore the possibilities of a field in a constant state of becoming. In this context, the ‘cannibalism’ of artistic research ‘eating itself’ embodies a dynamic tension between self-destruction and regeneration.
If artistic research eats itself, digests itself and then releases its own waste, does it stink and linger, fertilise new growth or invade new destinations on the bottom of someone’s shoe? If we are to constantly defend and define, are we in danger of having no art left, only the claims for its ability to embody knowledge? When we bite off our own heads do we grow new tails?
Critical perspectives on the discourse surrounding artistic research might be argued to already be too formulaic or self-defeating. Making a case for its own institutional legitimacy could unwittingly reinforce some of the very things artistic research aims to critique. Yet such onto-epistemological paradoxes can offer a rich territory for exploration along with generative practices that involve reflexivity, automorphogenesis, and recursive feedback loops. In recognising auto-cannibalism as an analogy for broader socio-political and environmental concerns, one of the challenges for artistic research is to respond imaginatively to the dynamic tensions between self-destruction and regeneration.
“A kiss is the beginning of cannibalism.”
(Bataille)
We encourage the exploration of auto-cannibalism in its widest interpretation and invite researchers, artists and scholars of all backgrounds and in all stages of their careers to think of this call for contributions as the first kiss and to propose artworks, cooking classes, films, panels, papers, performances, workshops and other interventions which explore one of the following themes:
- Digestion Breaking down Methodological Introspection
- Regurgitation Reflexivity and Repetition in Artistic Practice
- Regeneration Artistic Research as a Process of Becoming
Information on the differing modes of presentation, timings, spaces available and all other details for submissions can be found on the conference website http://www.sarconference2018.org/. Proposals are due by January 7, 2018. For further inquiries please contact: anya.lewin@plymouth.ac.uk (use the subject header “ARWEI Conference”)
The ninth edition of the SAR International Conference on Artistic Research is organised by Geoff Cox, Azadeh Fatehrad, Allister Gall, Laura Hopes, Anya Lewin and Andrew Prior in partnership with Society for Artistic Research represented by Johan Haarberg, Gabriele Schmid and Geir Strøm. The conference is hosted by the Arts Institute at the University of Plymouth with additional support from Kingston University.
ARTISTIC RESEARCH WILL EAT ITSELF RESEARCH WORKSHOP APRIL 8 - 11, 2018
A research/PhD workshop will run in advance of the conference*, the results of which will be included within the conference programme. The workshop, to be held at KARST, a gallery and studio space in Plymouth, aims to provide a forum for emerging artistic researchers to enter into speculation, critique, exchange, making and dialogue about their research topic or practice.
PhD researchers and independent artists and curators are invited to bring a semi-developed project to discuss, work on and resolve into exhibitable form within the conference itself. We can provide workshop tools, technical assistance and some audio-visual equipment. The format of the workshop will include a series of talks, group critiques and discussions and time to continue project development. The workshop is free and lunch will be provided but we cannot cover travel, accommodation or other costs and these are expected to be met by participants or their institutions.
Interested applicants should send a short biography (no more than 150 words), a one-page CV and a 350-word proposal describing the project you intend to develop at the workshop and how you imagine using the opportunity. Proposals should respond to the Artistic Research Will Eat Itself theme, include technical needs and be e-mailed to artsresearch@plymouth.ac.uk by January 15th. (please use the subject header “ARWEI Workshop Application”)
*Participants of the workshop are expected to register for and attend the conference.
For further inquiries about the workshop please contact: andrew.prior@plymouth.ac.uk (use the subject header “ARWEI Workshop”)
The workshop is organised by Arts Research in the School of Art, Architecture and Design, University of Plymouth in partnership with KARST.
drawings by Dane Watkins