American Research Center in Sofia
CALL FOR PAPERS
CONFERENCE: Public Art in the Balkans from the Roman Empire to Yesterday (AD 113-2013)
Upon his return from the conquest of Dacia, the Roman Emperor Trajan commissioned the construction of a new forum in the city of Rome. A highlight of this spectacular public space was a column standing 100 feet tall and embellished with a narrative of the military campaigns in Dacia. Dedicated in AD 113, this monument commemorates Trajan’s victory; taken together with the other features of the forum (law court, markets and libraries) the Column also stresses “Romanitas” (the meaning and values of Rome). In order to celebrate the 1900th anniversary of the Column of Trajan, the American Research Center in Sofia will host a Conference: Public Art in the Balkans from the Roman Empire to Yesterday (AD 113-2013), which will take place March 14-15, 2013.
Public Art – defined here as art commissioned or authorized by political leaders for permanent display in public spaces – has always played an important role in the cities and towns of Balkan countries. Public Art displays and expresses the deeds, accomplishments, sorrows, identity, and values of leaders, cities, nations and empires. The meaning of public art changes over the course of time and with each viewer: an example of art proudly installed by a leader may be despised and, even, removed by the next generation; a great event may become insignificant after the passing of centuries; a great leader may still be considered great after 1900 years.
The ARCS organizing committee seeks papers that address this theme globally or locally, synchronically or diachronically. The broad temporal range of the conference (Roman period through the present day) reflects the mission of ARCS to embrace, promote and investigate the history and culture of Bulgaria and the Balkans over time. It provides a venue for scholars who may not normally have the opportunity to meet and exchange approaches and methods. Papers may address any aspect of Public Art in the Balkans, including but not limited to:
* Original context and meaning – agents, historical background, setting, style and iconography
* Regional comparison (from city to city, province to province, country to country )
* Links between exemplars of Public Art from different periods
* Role and re-interpretation of Public Art in later periods
Please send an abstract of no more than 300 words in English to:
Eric C. De Sena, Director American Research Center in Sofia
Abstract deadline is January 30, 2013 with notification of a decision shortly thereafter. The conference is open to senior and junior scholars, including PhD students.