18th September 2018 — Calls for Papers

CFP: Sculpture In and Beyond Abstract Expressionism (Cambridge, 14 Nov 18)

Kettle’s Yard
University of Cambridge
November 14, 2018

Deadline: Oct 1, 2018

Reassessing Sculpture In and Beyond Abstract Expressionism

On the occasion of the first exhibition of the American artist Richard Pousette-Dart’s work in the UK, Kettle’s Yard is organising a conference that will explore the relationship between Abstract Expressionism and sculpture. Like many artists working in the idiom of Abstract Expressionism, Pousette-Dart also experimented with sculpture and object-making. Aside from the important work of David Smith and Louise Nevelson, these creative experiments are little discussed. This conference titled, Reassessing Sculpture In and Beyond Abstract Expressionism, seeks to reassess this work and ask how it furthers, or indeed challenges our understanding of Abstract Expressionism.

Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

  • The sculptural and object-based work of artists associated with Abstract Expressionism
  • The relationship between sculpture and painting in this period (c. 1940s-1960s)
  • Sculptural or object-based practices as studio work
  • The status of American sculpture in the art market in this period
  • The exhibition cultures around Abstract Expressionism, and their relationship to sculpture
  • The relationship between the sculptural work of the Abstract Expressionists and the work of neo-avant-gardes

Submit proposals for a paper of 20 minutes to christie@kettlesyard.cam.ac.uk before 5 pm on Monday 1 October. Your submission should include a title, abstract (of no more than 300 words), and a brief biography including, if applicable, your institutional affiliation.

The conference is convened by Kettle’s Yard staff: Dr Jennifer Powell, Head of Collection, Programme and Research, Dr Amy Tobin, Curator of Exhibitions, Events and Research and Christie Costello, Research and Curatorial Assistant.

For all general enquiries, please contact: christie@kettlesyard.cam.ac.uk

The conference is made possible through support from the Terra Foundation for American Art.

Reference: CFP: Sculpture In and Beyond Abstract Expressionism (Cambridge, 14 Nov 18). In: ArtHist.net, Sep 16, 2018. <https://arthist.net/archive/18888>.