Call for Papers

Boomerang Effect

Rom, 3. - 13. July 2008

http://www.worldpeacelabel.org/eternaltour/EN/boomerang.htm

deadline: February 15th, 2008

Heir of the 18th century Grand Tour and based upon the constellation formed
by the Academies and international Institutes situated in the Roman
territory, the project Eternal Tour is designed as an scientific and
artistic experiment. It will try to involve Fellows of Institutes and
Academies as well as citizens of Rome and international experts in the
implementation of a series of theoretical, methodological and political
problematics, which will take place from 3 to 13 July 2008.

The Eternal Tour 2008 project will present a one-day workshop on the theme
of the Return, which will consider the inevitable trip back home, the hidden
or sometimes lesser known aspects of a journey, the flip side of the coin.

This study-day presumes that concepts taking into account the semantic field
of movement (i.e, notions of directionality, "to return towards",
implications of repetitive dimensions,..) are essential approaches to the
liberal arts.

The workshop is open to researchers of any type, graduates, post-graduates
or young practitioners. We welcomed papers addressing one of the two
categories suggested below. These categories, general and non-exhaustive,
are only to be considered as possible approaches and are in no way
restrictive.

The first axis of thought is specific to art history. It will try to measure
both the direct and indirect consequences of the Grand Tour in contemporary
cultural milieus. What remains of the Tour in literature and the arts ? What
has been the influence of the Italian models, ancient or modern, on the
various productions in the 18th and 19th centuries? This last aspect
includes not only the diffusion of Roman experience and knowledge throughout
Europe, but also the manner in which the return is addressed in various
narrative accounts, as well as the impact upon foreign countries of
artists' massive migration towards Italy.

One may also consider the relative importance given to the Italian canons
when writing an art history often tainted with nationalism. This tendency is
made clear when an author from the Mercure de France in 1727 expresses his
regrets regarding "a certain Italian venom" that seems to invade private
collections to the detriment of local productions. Reproval regarding the
absolute superiority of Italian paintings is emphasized when D'Angiviller
tries to make the setting in Louis XVI Museum imply an Art History conscious
of context, distinguishing between the various schools and giving privilege
to national painting. The Marquis D'Argens proposes a peaceful resolution to
the rivalry by suggesting a systematic comparison between Italian and French
artists. He demonstrates that they are in all points equal. And if only
Raphael does sometimes exceed his Gallic colleagues, Paris on the other hand
offers as many treasures as the eternal city. The journey to Italy is no
longer the panacea. He makes it almost appear prejudicial, as when he speaks
in praise of le Sueur (The French "Raphael") stating "our better artists,
with the exception of two or three, were not in Rome" (1768).

The second category favors a contemporary and interdisciplinary approach.
Considering the return as a movement towards an origin and yet as a
repetition, a starting anew. It can be reflected upon as a formal and/or
conceptual component in different fields of research: repetitive structure
in poetic text, recurring images in art, refrain, deleuzienne ritournelle or
nietzsche's eternal return.

These lectures will study the logical specificities and the structural
particularities implied within the concept of the return. They might also
develop the notion of revival, sometimes implicit as when the different
Roman institutions re-interpret the Tour, or in a more conscious and
explicit form, when claimed as an ironic category (for example the " May '68
revival" organized by Myspace and opening in may 2008).

All submissions must be received by February 15th, 2008.

The selected speakers will be notified by e-mail by March 2008.

Lectures will last no longer than 30 minutes.

Conferences may be held in English, French or Italian. Speakers will be
asked to hand in papers of approx. 20'000 signs for an eventual publication.

Please submit abstracts of no more than 1 page, together with a Curriculum
Vitae, to the following address : boomerangeternaltour.org.