Call for Contributions AR@K24: The Artist, The Ghost, and The Machine

Artistic Research @ Kristiania (AR@K)
Call for contributions 2024: The Artist, The Ghost, and The Machine – friction, interplay and symbiosis of art and technology

Deadline for abstracts: 10 January 2024

Email: arak@kristiania.no

Technology has always been an integral part of the creation, production, distribution, and consumption of art in all its various forms. This complex interplay between art and technology has grown increasingly prominent in contemporary art practice, as available technologies grow more and more complex. As such, art and technology can be intimately intertwined, with technology often serving as a catalyst for artistic innovation. By the same token, artists have pushed above and beyond the limits of current technology and have facilitated and contributed to technological innovation. The evolution of this relationship reflects not only changes in artistic practices but also mirrors shifts in society, culture, aesthetics, and our understanding of the world.

The term “the ghost in the machine”, popularized by Arthur Koestler (1967), originally referred to the cartesian body/mind dualism. However, the term has since taken on new meaning, referring to the agency, “black box” quality, and impenetrable inner workings of new technologies. With the advent of technology with the capability to remake 1930ies Berlin with unparalleled fidelity, create complex fantasy worlds and populate them, compose new pieces of music, or replace actors with avatars, the term is more relevant than ever. The opportunities provided by these technologies raise a plethora of ethical, artistic and philosophical dilemmas, relating to the nature and core of art, reality and originality. Whether by the use, non-use or misuse of technology, artists today must make a choice on the interrelation of art and technology, as they aim to challenge our perceptions and expand our understanding.

New and emerging technologies represent a reservoir of possibilities and opportunities, but they also embody a Pandora’s box of deepfakes and reality distortion and are perceived by many as a threat to human artistic creativity. Together with ethical issues, technology also influences traditional aesthetics and raises both artistic and philosophical questions - e.g., what is art, reality, and originality? Do all arts/artists embrace/respond positively towards technology, and if not why? Where is the line between new technologies as gimmicks and their artistic application?

The 6th International AR@K Symposium invites researchers, artists, scholars, and practitioners to submit their original research papers and artistic works for presentation at the upcoming symposium. We are seeking contributions that explore the dynamic intersection of art and technology. Contributions are expected to be clearly related to an artistic practice.

We are encouraging artists, artistic researchers and academics from across the fields of film, theatre, music, dance, literature, visual arts, linguistics, cultural studies, social sciences, media studies, and technology and computer sciences to explore topics such as (but not limited to):

• Ethical, philosophical, and aesthetic dilemmas of art and technology
• Creativity vs/in/with AI and machine learning
• Data-driven approaches in artistic research and creative/artistic practices
• Interdisciplinary collaboration between artists and tech
• Interactive and immersive art
• The role of art and technology in social and political transformation.
• The intersection of art and digital humanities.
• Use/non-use/misuse of technology in performing arts
• Creation and dissemination of art in the age of digital tools and platforms
• Intersections of design, art, media, and technology
• Integration of real-time data in performance art
• The role of technology in documenting and archiving art and artistic practices
• Human bodies in/and technological environments
• Art and technology for social and environmental sustainability

We are looking forward to abstracts for possible contributions. The abstract must have a title and be limited to 200 words. We encourage a variation of formats, such as performances, workshops, posters, screenings, and installations (technical equipment and stage facilities, such as black boxes, are available), in addition to traditional paper presentations and lecture talks. Presentations requested in English or any Scandinavian language.

Regardless of format, presentations at the symposium should be a maximum of 20 minutes in length + additional 10 mins for questions and comments. If the standard time allotment is insufficient, please state your needs clearly in the abstract. Please provide your name, affiliations and contact information. Also, please include a brief biographical statement or CV (100 words) detailing your previous artistic and research practice.

Please note: The symposium is an onsite physical event without digital or online presentations. If needed, exceptions can be made.

Please send your abstracts to arak@kristiania.no. The deadline for abstracts is 10 January 2024.

For previous contributors and the program-schedules:

• AR@K 2023
• AR@K 2022
• AR@K 2021
• AR@K 2020
• AR@K 2019

Please feel free to share this call for contributions in your respective communities.