Conference: "radius of art" Art in public space, art as public space, and art in the public interest

The forum examines approaches adopted by artists who, on pragmatic and theoretical levels, have taken discursive positions in the realm of art developed outside museums and galleries. Here, (art) concepts will be clarified, with the further aim of comparing historical and contemporary practices. Different modes of fostering meaning with regard to art in public space, art as public space, and art in the public interest (“New Genre Public Art”) will be analysed. In the light of contemporary, currently salient practices of so-called art in the public interest, discussions should also consider the correlations (or contingencies) formulated by Walter Benjamin between a “correct” tendency and the quality of artistic work. This raises questions about the methods for evaluating art as articulated outside places explicitly set aside for art.



Speakers:

Helmut Draxler (Merz Academy, Stuttgart)

Jimmie Durham (Visual Artist, Berlin/Rome)

Ray McKenzie (Glasgow School of Art, UK)



Moderator:

Gertrud Sandqvist (Dean, Malmö Art Academy/Lund University)



Concept/Coordination:

Jürgen Bock (Maumaus School of Visual Arts, Lisbon)