Launching in February 2023, this seminar series will map out relations between the life sciences, critical theory, contemporary literature and the visual arts. Sessions will alternate between academic presentations and informal workshop sessions exploring recent artistic work and research.
The proposed scope of biocriticism is:
a. critical examination of artistic engagement with biological images, discourse and practices
b. critical theory currently engaging with the concepts and discourse of the life sciences
c. art as a space which engages critically with biological theory, technology and rhetoric
The theme for 2023 is “Through the Microscope”: we will explore art and theory inspired by microbiological, genetic and epigenetic perspectives. The full programme is now available:
- February 24th, 2 pm Central European Time, in person and online
Communication scholar Professor Lisa B. Keränen (Colorado University) will discuss
“Biocriticism as inventional practice: The case of global health security”.
Her respondent will be Literature scholar Professor Catherine Bernard (Université Paris Cité).
NB The first meeting will exceptionally be in person as well as online, in the Salle du Conseil, Maison de la Recherche, 4 rue des Irlandais, Paris.
- March 10th, 2 pm Central European Time, online
Theatre director Frédérique Aït-Touati (CNRS) will discuss La Trilogie Terrestre (created with Bruno Latour)
- April 21st, 2 pm Central European Time, online
Professor François-Joseph Lapointe (Université de Montréal) will discuss microbiology in his artistic practice
- May 12th, 2 pm Central European Time, online
Artist-designer Marie-Sarah Adénis will discuss microbiology in her artistic practice
- June 9th, 2 pm Central European Time, online
Literature scholar Dr Lara Choksey (University College London) will discuss epigenetics, poetics, and atmosphere
Please contact Liliane Campos for information and links: liliane.campos@sorbonne-nouvelle.fr
BioCriticism is organised with the support of PRISMES EA4398 and the Institut Universitaire de France
