The Aesthetics of Global Modernism

Untitled, 1963, Oil on Canvas, by Vasudeo S. Gaitonde

Proposals for 25-30 minute papers are welcome for a one day event to take place online (via Zoom) on the 12th of July 2021, as a collaboration between the Modernist Studies in Asia network (MSIA) and the British Association of Modernist Studies (BAMS). Attendance is free and will be part of the BAMS Festival of Modernism.

We invite proposals for papers which explore the continuities and confluences of aesthetic theory within Global Modernisms. There is no specific emphasis on historical periodisation, geographic location or medium. Rather, we seek papers which offer innovative, speculative or heterodox perspectives that engage with philosophy, literary and critical theory to discuss ‘modernism’ (broadly conceived) not only as a historically contained phenomenon, but as an immanent and ambient aesthetic mode which informed (and continues to inform) literary, artistic and conceptual practises around the world. Comparative papers and those which focus on work at the peripheries, and across disciplines, are highly encouraged.

Please send proposal abstracts of between 300 – 500 words, including a brief bio, as a single document to the organiser Udith Dematagoda (Assistant Professor, Waseda University, Tokyo) by the 15th of June 2021: udith.dematagoda@aoni.waseda.jp

The event will be co-hosted by Nan Zhang – Associate Professor, Fudan University, Shanghai Kevin Riordan – Assistant Professor, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore