CFP: ART THAT MAKES US ANGRY

KAPSULA Magazine is a listserv dedicated to experimental and
evaluative art criticism. Entirely digital, the publication focuses on
forms appropriate for web documents and aims to advance online art
publishing. We are now welcoming submissions for our fourth theme—ART
THAT MAKES US ANGRY.

"The iconoclastic gesture that produces the modernist artwork
functions, of course, not simply as a manifestation of artistic
subjectivity understood as pure negativity. This gesture had the
positive goal of revealing the materiality of the artwork, its pure
presence” (Boris Groys 2008, "The Topology of Contemporary Art,"
78-79).

Art that makes us angry often requires the most careful analysis and
reflection. Negative responses serve as evidence of a work’s
provocative nature—they suggest that the art in question warrants a
reaction. In exploring this idea—that an affective response to
artwork offers a benchmark for an effective work—we would propose that
the art we find the most frustrating or offensive is, in fact, more
culturally valuable and productive.

Possible topics could include:

- Disputed works of public art (with a contemporary focus)
- Contemporary culture wars—political backlash against controversial
works
- Art that exploits or endangers
- Futility by design—interactive works that purposely frustrate or
provoke their users
- The ups and downs of participatory art
- Negative responses/suspicion towards commercial success within the
art market
- Backlash against celebrity artists
- Perceived weaknesses in contemporary art making/consumption

Please note that, while this topic may walk a controversial line, we
will not accept submissions that are cruel or needlessly denigrate
particular works or artists. We are looking for thoughtful explorations
of a response that merits consideration.

We welcome exploratory art writing and alternative formats such as
ficto-criticism, interviews, or illustrated texts. Submissions can be
completed texts or more provisional proposals.

Deadline: March 7th 2014.
For further submission details please visit: kapsula.ca/submissions