Thinking like a mountain*; recalibrating how we understand art and planet.
An international interdisciplinary conference and parallel programme on artistic practices and ecology.

The mechanistic view of Nature that came into existence with the rise of modern science “disenchanted the world.” (Federici, 2004, 202)

In fact, staying with the trouble requires learning to be truly present, not as a vanishing pivot between awful or edenic pasts and apocalyptic or salvific futures, but as mortal critters entwined in myriad unfinished configurations of places, times, matters, meanings. (Haraway, 2016, 1)

Contemporary art demonstrates a deep engagement with planetary issues and increasingly aims at shifting our attention to the natural world, ecology and the need to develop environmental consciousness. Since the 1970s, cultural practitioners have been active in trying to sensitise publics on issues related to the planet, climate change and the ecological commons– land, water and air. Through soft practices, the creation of collectives and communities, the production of eco-conscious artworks, and activist involvement in ecological movements, they have contributed to a recalibration of our relationship with the natural world. What is more, interdisciplinary collaborations between artists, scientists and environmental organisations have exposed the impact of colonialism, extractivism, ecocide, capitalism, neoliberalism, large scale agricultural production methods and systems of exploiting the environment.

This call invites submissions for 20min papers and panels (3x20mins plus Q&A) from scholars, artists, cultural practitioners, environmental scientists and activists– from the fields of art, art history and theory, architecture, urban studies, environmentalism, history, geology, forestry and environmental activism, so as to explore directions such as:

- The environmental movement and the ecological commons through the prism of history, theory and art history.
- The impact of war, colonialism, neo-liberal practices and agricultural policies on ecologies and landscapes.
- The connection between art and ecology. How the arts contribute towards understanding important environmental issues of our times, representations of climate change and how we can consider alternative ways of living together with the natural world. Possible thematic strands include:
● Sustainability in art practice
● Nature as subject
● Site specific environmental art
● Environmental activism and art
● Environmental melancholia
● Imagining sustainable futures

This conference will explore the different ways through which we can experience, co-exist and understand the natural world and the environmental commons through the arts via key-note presentations, 20mins presentations followed by Q&A in panel sessions, workshops, walks and screenings.

There is no cost to participate in the conference.

Chairs
Evanthia (Evi) Tselika
Leontios Toumpouris

Scientific and Organisational Committee
Gabriel Koureas
Elena Parpa
Constantinos Taliotis
Leontios Toumpouris
Evanthia (Evi) Tselika

To submit a proposal please send a title, an abstract of 300-400 words, a short bio (up to 250 words) and a contact email [and affiliation if relevant] in a single Word document to arts.celadongmail.com, by the 4th of November 2024 with the subject title "Thinking like a mountain conference submission”. We will be responding by the 18th of November.

For updates and information refer to: https://thinkinglikeamountainconference.wordpress.com
Queries: arts.celadongmail.com; tselika.eunic.ac.cy; leontiostoumpourisgmail.com

Organised by Celadon Center for the Arts
Funded by the Department of Contemporary Culture, Deputy Ministry of Culture, Republic of Cyprus

Supported by the Kapedes Municipality and the BA in Fine Art, University of Nicosia.

*Aldo Leopold