The Postcolonial Sacred in East-Central Europe after 1989: New Approaches to Spirituality in Old and Contemporary Art.

With the fall of the Iron Curtain and the dissolution of the USSR, East-Central Europe entered a period of transition. During this time, contemporary art faced substantial criticism from numerous politicians and conservative media outlets for addressing issues related to morality, sexuality, and religiosity. Interestingly, many young artists sought spirituality outside the confines of the institutional Church, which swiftly gained prominence in areas previously dominated by state-decreed atheism. A pursuit that has been largely overlooked in the art history literature of that era.
In the current art landscape, numerous artists are forming collectives by drawing upon elements of transcendence, ancient deities, intuition, and various phantasms or anachronisms. This is part of their journey to create new rituals that foster mutual bonds. Current endeavors are focused on promoting inclusivity and nurturing respect for a diverse range of individuals while acknowledging their vulnerabilities and insecurities. It’s noteworthy that not only do a multitude of new ideas gain a sacred status, but specific locations, spaces, activities, trees, and even stones are also revered. Imagination fuels the belief that a better world is within our reach.
Particularly within feminist studies, efforts are being made to utilize a multitude of concepts encapsulated by the umbrella term ‘rescue theories’ of the Anthropocene era. In times of ecological catastrophe, rising populism, migrant crises, and war, articulating spiritual ties seems crucial for fostering a sense of togetherness that is rooted in mutual care. Following the affirmative, affective and post-secular turns in the humanities, the conference is set to explore faith, the sacred, and the spiritual in the context of contemporary art.

We kindly request that you submit your speech proposals as a concise abstract (no more than 300 words) and a brief biography (up to 200 words). Please email your submissions to Anna Markowska at anna.markowskaoutlook.com. The deadline for submissions is the 7th of April 2024.