Call for papers - Art, Conservation & Authenticities

 

University of Glasgow, Scotland, 12-14 September 2007

 

The Art History Department at the Glasgow University is organizing a three-day symposium on the subject of Art, Conservation, and Authenticities: Material, Concept, Context as a follow up of the successful one day conference that took place on March 24th 2006.

 

 

The purpose of the symposium is to discuss and debate the notion of ‘authenticity’ within the context of the conservation of art and the production of art, in the past and at present.

 

‘Authenticity’ is one of the most influential factors that determine a course of action for a work of art in need of conservation. It is also one of the most contested. Identifying exactly what constitutes an artwork’s ‘authentic’ state can be problematic and challenging; maintaining or displaying it as such even more so. This conference seeks to stimulate discussion around three key areas considered vital in establishing or

vouchsafing an artwork’s ‘authenticity’: material, concept, and context. Interdisciplinary research into art production: historical materials, techniques and studio practice; a more conceptual approach when considering authenticity in modern and contemporary art  (e.g. what is the status of the original ‘carrier’?); and the importance of the original and present context for the authentic artwork, are key topics.

 

Deadline for abstracts: 1 March 2007. Selected papers will be published in the symposium’s proceedings. Abstracts: 1 page A4 max.

 

 

We invite abstracts for papers that cover a wide range of subjects from a variety of disciplines, periods, and approaches as well as specific case studies. Specific dilemmas conservators and curators are facing when making decisions on conservation treatments and modes of display:

Abstracts/enquiries to Erma Hermens, History of Art Department, Glasgow University:

Phone: + 44 (0)141 3303943/5677