In the light of recent debates addressing the so-called crisis of criticality and criticism, the ICA in London is hosting an event to examine the problems of contemporary art criticism and alternatives to standardised forms of professional art writing. These alternatives include art writing concerned with fiction, performative or formalised writing processes and also subjectification and subjectivity. The event will focus on writing practices and artists' publications emerging from London that might be thought of as responding to a situation in which art is increasingly 'surrounded' by explanatory, judgemental or informative texts.
Art Criticism Beyond Criticism will be chaired by Jennifer Thatcher, with contributions from panellists Andy Hunt, Cedar Lewisohn, Sally O'Reilly and Dave Beech.
Other sessions include 'Fictionalising Practice and Politics' (chaired by David Burrows), with Simon O'Sullivan, John Russell and Maria Fusco who will talk about their writing practices, publication projects and fiction as a means of addressing aesthetics and politics.
In 'Speeding, Cutting and Correction Fluids' (also chaired by Burrows) Paul Buck, Neil Chapman and John Cussans of Bughouse will give presentations exploring art writing through material, temporal and collaborative processes.
The Plastazine Fantazine fanzine will be available at the event, presenting writing, drawings and diagrams addressing the themes of the day.
Art Writing Beyond Criticism
17 May 2008: 1pm
Nash room: £15/£12 concs/£10 members
(in association with David Burrows at Birmingham City University)
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