[Discussion] Blasphemy and Sacrilege in the Arts

[Sule Tarakcioglu]

*CALL FOR PAPERS*

Negotiating the Sacred II

Blasphemy and Sacrilege in the Arts
A Conference

*November 3-4, 2005
*The Centre for Cross-Cultural Research
Old Canberra House
Australian National University
Liversidge St, Acton

The sacrosanctity of religious dogmas and beliefs, stringent laws of
repression and codes of moral and ethical propriety have compelled
artists to live and create with occupational hazards like uncertain
audience response, self-censorship and accusations of deliberate
misinterpretation of cultural production looming over their heads. In
extreme cases, the battle between artistic iconoclasm and societal
repression has forced creators to put their life on the line in defence
of liberal self-expression. In recent years, issues surrounding the
rights of minority cultures to recognition and respect have raised new
questions about the contemporariness of the construct of blasphemy and
sacrilege. Controversies over the aesthetic representation of the
sacred, the exhibition of the sacred as art, and the public display of
sacrilegious or blasphemous works have given rise to heated debates and
have invited us to reflect on binaries like artistic and religious
sensibilities, tolerance and philistinism, the sacred and the profane,
deification and vilification.

This conference, the second in the series "Negotiating the Sacred", will
draw together theologians, historians, artists, lawyers, philosophers,
political theorists, anthropologists, sociologists, media
representatives, museum and art curators, as well as intellectuals from
different religious and cultural groups to speak about the conception of
sacralisation /desecration in artistic creation, representation of the
sacred, exhibiting the sacred and to address the concerns about
sensitivity towards religious and cultural difference.

Instructions for abstract submission
Please submit an abstract of about 200 words (for a 20 minutes paper),
outlining your proposed topic, your approach, and the forms/media in
which you intend to present your work.
Include a brief description of yourself, outlining your affiliations and
your key publications, exhibits, and/or performances.

Send your abstract (preferably in WORD or PDF) to
maria-suzette.fernandesdias@anu.edu.au
<mailto:maria-suzette.fernandesdias@anu.edu.au>
Abstract Submission Deadline: 30 June, 2005

*Extra Information*
University map <http://campusmap.anu.edu.au/default.asp>
Australian National University homepage <http://www.anu.edu.au>
Accommodation <http://www.anu.edu.au/culture/conf/accomodation.htm>

Contact us
Suzanne Groves, Reception
Centre for Cross Cultural Research
Australian National University
Liversidge Street, Acton
Phone: (02) 6125 2434
Fax: (02) 6248 0054

Conveners
*Dr Elizabeth Burns Coleman*
Department of Philosophy
La Trobe University
Phone: (03) 9479 1093

*Dr Maria-Suzette Fernandes Dias *
Centre for Cross Cultural Research
Australian National University
maria-suzette.fernandesdias@anu.edu.au
Phone: (02) 6125 9879