A Beautiful Future for
The AmericAN SocieTy for AeSTheTicS: Aesthetics: Three Avenues AN ASSociATioN for AeSTheTicS, criTiciSm, ANd Theory of The ArTS of Progress John Dyck Volume 37 Number 1 SpriNg 2017 CUNY—The Graduate Center
What is the future of the ASA? Where is it going? Where should it be 1 A Beautiful Future for Aesthetics: Three going? I will make some suggestions about how the ASA can ensure Avenues of Progress, by John Dyck a healthy and beautiful future not only for itself as an organization, 4 Suggestions for the ASA: Creativity, but also for philosophical aesthetics and philosophy of art. I will Diversity, and Disciplinary Study, by outline three main opportunities. First, I will suggest fruitful new Sarah Gokhale directions of research within philosophical aesthetics. Second, I will show how the ASA can be fruitful within the academy at large, 6 News from the National Office encouraging interdisciplinary work in aesthetics. Finally, I will show 7 Conference Reports how the ASA can spread its wings beyond the academy, engaging the public regarding aesthetics. Pursuing any of these avenues helps to ensure a healthy future for the ASA and aesthetics. 8 Aesthetics News 9 Calls for Papers What do I mean by a ‘healthy future’ for the ASA? Mainly, I mean a well-populated future. This involves, first, number of members; the 12 Upcoming Events ASA will be well-populated if it has lots of members. But it also means diversity of membership. Sherri Irvin has recently shown that aes- Active Aestheticians 15 thetics has a diversity problem, in particular regarding publication.1
The ASA needs active members who identify as minorities in terms of their ethnic, gender, and sexual orientation, and ability status. Besides being inclusive of minority voices, the ASA ought to strive for diversity in terms of disciplinary identification; the ASA will be healthy if it can include academics from outside of philosophy, and non-academics. My suggestions below are aimed at promoting a well-populated future in all of these senses.
These two kinds of population growth—growth in quantity and aesthetics-aesthetics-online.orgonline.org quality—are mutually supporting. But they also support other cru- cial dimensions of a healthy future. They support a more vibrant
SPRING 2017 1 future for the ASA, and for aesthetics generally. And they support the last point, much contemporary fine art is political in nature; an intellectually responsible future. We can’t get aesthetics and art consider Kahinde Wiley’s work. We can learn useful lessons about right if we focus only on one tradition of making, appreciating, and the interaction between aesthetics and social-political philosophy by philosophizing about art and beauty; likewise, aesthetics suffers if it focusing on such art. comes only from a single people-group. 3. Moving beyond western traditions of theorizing about art: Aes- New Directions within Aesthetics thetics will grow if we learn more not just about other traditions of making and appreciating art, but also about other traditions of theoriz- I will outline three main growth areas within philosophical aesthet- ing and philosophizing about art. Indian aesthetics is a rich tradition ics: (1) promoting social and political issues in research; (2) a focus of aesthetics, but it is featured very little at ASA meetings. Paul C. on non-western, non-‘classical’ art; and (3) a focus on non-western Taylor’s new book on black aesthetics will hopefully encourage this traditions of aesthetics. trend with its engagement of non-eurocentric traditions of art and aesthetics. The time is ripe for the ASA to take explicit, institutional 1. New directions in intra-disciplinary research: At present, philoso- steps in this direction as well, so that philosophical aesthetics is not phy of art has not been afraid to engage other areas of philosophy. It still marred by a myopic focus on western traditions of art-making has engaged work in metaphysics—think of the sizable literature on and aesthetic theory. the ontology of music. Aestheticians have explored connections to work in philosophy of perception and normativity.2 Looking toward Here are some institutional steps that the ASA can take to move the future: Increasingly, many branches of philosophy are engaging beyond a focus western ‘classical’ art: the ASA can educate aestheti- social and political issues. In philosophy of mind, work on implicit cians on non-western traditions of art creation and philosophical bias is a growth field. In philosophy of language, work on slurs is a aesthetics. At national meetings, the ASA could feature a scholar growth field. In metaphysics, work on the ontology of race, gender, who can accessibly introduce and interrogate the history of some and sexual orientation is a growth field. It is time for aesthetics to contemporary art-trend, or some tradition of non-western art. To engage social/political philosophy in a concerted effort. move beyond western traditions of theorizing about art, the ASA can take formal steps to educate philosophers on non-western traditions Of course, engaging social and political issues is not new in aesthet- of aesthetics. The ASA can promote workshops on black aesthetics ics.3 But there has not been a consistent, sustained focus on particular or Indian traditions of aesthetics, for example, so that philosophers questions of engaging social and political issues. There are several of art are more aware of the history of these traditions. The ASA can natural lines of research here: What’s the relationship between art and promote sessions on, say, black aesthetics and philosophy of art at the implicit bias? Is artistic formalism inconsistent with social efficacy national conference. The ASA could sponsor afternoon-long work- of art? How does art contribute or detract from social inequality? Is shops in large metropolitan areas such as LA and NYC. By actively Western art essentially a means for class-stratification? Mainstream promoting knowledge about non-western traditions, we can better art is connected very tightly in many peoples’ minds with the struggle incorporate those traditions into the field, and inject the field with for social equality, both as a negative and a positive force. (Think of under-represented perspectives about aesthetics and art. Kendrick Lamar’s album To Pimp a Butterfly, Beyoncé’s album Lem- onade, or the issue of diversity at the Oscars last spring.) Of course, none of this needs to come at the cost of doing traditional aesthetics. And the ASA stands to benefit by taking these steps. In- There are three ways that ASA can promote social/political work in creased engagement with social and political issues will be healthy aesthetics: (1) by promoting workshops on this topic at national and for the discipline. None of the tremendous inheritance of traditional regional conferences, both at the ASA and the APA; (2) by promoting aesthetics need be sacrificed for all this. But a piecemeal approach stand-alone conference—modest, half-day affairs—on this topic in that involves only western ‘classical’ art cannot be fruitful, and it is major metropolitan areas; and, (3) by sponsoring conferences on this not intellectually responsible. Indeed, the western high-art trajectory topic. These conferences could take one of two approaches in format: in the literature cannot be healthy for the future of the discipline. they could either (i) feature aestheticians as presenters, who raise Undergraduate students will not be drawn to aesthetics if it does not social-political issues from the direction of aesthetics; or (ii) feature engage with the kind of art they regularly consume. both aestheticians and social/political philosophers as presenters, who raise issues from both directions. New Directions for Promoting Aesthetics between Disciplines
2. Moving beyond the traditional boundaries of the field: In tandem Arguably, aesthetics is an object of research across various academic with an increased engagement with social/political issues, aesthetics disciplines: anthropology, social psychology, neuropsychology, art ought to move beyond its traditional boundaries of application. Much criticism, African-American studies, and sociology, to name just a philosophy of art focuses on western ‘classical’ fine art-music.4 For few. Aesthetics is not the sole province of philosophy. Furthermore, example: despite the plethora of literature on philosophy of music, philosophical aestheticians are eager to bring extra-philosophical there is relatively little attention devoted to music outside the western research on board, but often lack familiarity with other disciplines. ‘classical’ tradition. The ASA ought to take institutional steps to promote and facilitate cross-disciplinary research and interaction. I will suggest two ways Moving beyond a focus on western ‘classical’ artworks. First, contemporary that this can be done. aesthetics will benefit from more engagement with contemporary art. The contemporary art-world is changing rapidly; installation art and First, the ASA can help philosophers of art and aesthetics become sound art are increasingly common in museums, but there is so far educated with aesthetic research across disciplines. For example, it very little literature on these art-forms.5 Since they are different in could commission “state of the art” review articles from authors in many ways from traditional art-forms, it’s not clear that traditional history, psychology, African-American studies, religious studies, analyses of art will apply to these art-forms. Philosophers need to disability studies, for example. In these articles, a noted academic be aware of, and learn from, developments in sound art, installation in some non-philosophical area could take a substantial literature in art, and contemporary fine art. Furthermore, and in concert with that field, and explain its philosophical relevance. For example, we
2 ASA NEWSLETTER could have a sociologist explain research on the ‘omnivore thesis’ Corvino’s videos are excellent examples of how this might be done. in sociology: what lessons have been learned through this kind of research, and how the literature is evolving. If philosophers know Applied aesthetics. Usually, philosophers start by explaining things as about research in aesthetics from outside philosophy, aesthetics will generally and abstractly as possible. This means that aestheticians be healthier, diverse, and more intellectually responsible. usually start from some general meta-aesthetic perspective—for example, some standard problem or puzzle in the field. In my experi- Second of all, the ASA can help to promote an inter- or cross-dis- ence, non-philosophers find concrete cases far more interesting than ciplinary journal of aesthetics. As mentioned above, aesthetics is abstract, general theses or puzzles.6 By writing about concrete cases increasingly uniting various academic disciplines. While much of of art, aestheticians and the ASA can better command the attention this work relates to each other, it remains fragmented in its produc- of non-academics Philosophers can start by discussing particular art- tion and dissemination. There is no single venue for discussion that works, or particular issues in the art-world, or issues in popular arts. connects threads from these fields. Scholars in one field don’t know the state of aesthetics research in other fields. Given this situation, it Sponsor a high-school essay competition. The ASA should encourage seems that a respectable but truly inter-disciplinary journal would high schoolers to argue about art and aesthetics. For example, the be ideal for the study of aesthetics and art. ASA could sponsor an essay prize for high school students. Perhaps the winning prize could be featured on the ASA website. There is good precedent for this practice. Consider journals such as Religious Studies and Behavioral and Brain Sciences. These are well- The Importance of a Committee for Outreach ranked journals which unite various disciplines in the study of reli- gion and cognitive sciences, respectively. Given that they have been I have suggested some ways that the ASA can—and ought to—take successful, and given that the situation in these fields is relevantly concerted, intentional, institutional efforts to promote aesthetics— like aesthetics, it seems that a cross-disciplinary aesthetics journal ways to promote aesthetics outside of traditional boundaries of the would be successful. sub-discipline, to promote it to the academy outside of philosophy, and to promote it outside of the academy to the public at large. If The existence of such a periodical would be a huge boon to research the ASA is to grow, we cannot rely upon the random efforts of our in aesthetics. And, of course, the ASA stands to benefit substantially members. If it is to create a substantial impact on these areas, there in particular from creating, or helping to create, such a journal. It must be a concerted and intentional effort on the part of the ASA to would promote the ASA across several disciplines; it would encour- re-think its mission. To accomplish this goal, I suggest that the ASA age membership across several disciplines; and it would encourage form a committee on outreach. attendance at ASA meetings. Notes New Directions for Promoting Aesthetics to the Public 1. Sherri Irvin, “Diversity in Aesthetics Publishing”, accessed Feb- Aesthetics is popular. Americans love art and artists. Most Ameri- ruary 28 2016 at: http://www.aestheticsforbirds.com/2014/10/ cans care far more about Kanye West and Taylor Swift than they do diversity-inclusiveness-in-aesthetics.html about politicians, CEOs, moral saints, or scientists. But, further, many 2. See, for example, Aesthetics and the Sciences of Mind, edited by Currie, Americans love to think about art. Consider the influx of recent books Kieran, Meskin, and Robson (New York: OUP, 2014); see also Bence for popular audiences on the philosophy and psychology of art: Noel Nanay, Aesthetics as Philosophy of Perception (New York: OUP, 2016). Carroll’s On Criticism, Anjan Chatterjee’s The Aesthetic Brain, Alva 3. Here I think especially of work by Noel Carroll, Lydia Goehr, Noe’s Strange Tools, Sarah Thorton’s Seven Days in the Art World, and Jonathan Neufeld, and Paul C. Taylor. A.O. Scott’s Better Living through Criticism. Consider the numerous 4. Witness the literature on ontology of music, which focuses nearly think-pieces online about the music video for Beyonce’s “Formation.” exclusively on western ‘classical’ music. Clearly, there’s a significant population of people who really care 5. What literature there is often shows that ontological analyses of about how they think about art. Philosophy of art is unique among these artforms can be surprising. See for example Sherri Irvin, philosophical subfields for having a domain that lots of Americans “Installation Art and Performance: A Shared Ontology” in Christy really care about. If the ASA actively targets this population, it can Mag Uidhir ed, Art and Abstract Objects (New York: OUP, 2011); retain a more substantial presence, and gain more members from Andy Hamilton, “Music and the Aural Arts,” British Journal of outside of the academy. Aesthetics 47 (2007). 6. Again, I take a cue from John Corvino. See Corvino’s recent article Here are several ways the ASA can target the public at large: on applied philosophy: http://www.philosophersmag.com/index. php/tpm-mag-articles/11-essays/113-applied-philosophy-out- Public talks and discussions. Public lectures could engage issues of art of-the-closet. and neuroscience, art and race, etc. These discussions could involve (say) a philosopher, an artist, and a public figure. By doing this, the © John Dyck 2016 ASA can give people the tools to think about aesthetics themselves and thereby promote aesthetics and the ASA. These talks could take place at public libraries in major metropolitan areas.
Start a YouTube channel, featuring videos on aesthetics produced by the ASA. The ASA could produce something along the lines of John Corvino’s videos on morality, which the APA is now supporting. The ASA would do well to support an effort to produce some smart and snappy videos which explain core questions or issues in philosophy of art.
SPRING 2017 3 fort to accept papers from underrepresented persons. Not only are Suggestions for the ASA: more diverse persons being represented at conferences, in journals, etc., but so are a more diverse set of issues being represented. This includes issues like beauty, normativity, body image and gender Creativity, Diversity, conformity, video games, comedy, etc. Some of these issues may not immediately come to mind when one is thinking about aesthetics, but these non-standard issues have become more popular due to an and Interdisciplinary Study increased presence in conference presentations and articles. Addition- ally, in my own experience, there has been increased attention on Sarah Gokhale and discussion of non-Western artworks in conference presentations CUNY—The Graduate Center and journal articles. There’s more and more awareness of ways to be more inclusive and well-rounded philosophers of art in terms of In this essay I offer some preliminary suggestions for the future of persons and content represented. the philosophy of art in general and for the ASA in particular. These considerations fall into three main areas: 1. Creativity, 2. Diversity, However, philosophers of art could benefit from more direct discussion and 3. Interdisciplinary Study. In my discussion of each area, I will in the classroom with undergraduates and graduate students about the comment on ways the ASA is already doing well in this area, and lack of diversity in philosophy. This includes more attention towards then offer some suggestions for ways to move forward. I hope this adding female philosophers and non-white philosophers to syllabi. It essay offers its readers a sense of both the significant progress the ASA also includes actual, explicit discussion with undergraduates about the has made already and of some specific ways it can improve further. lack of diversity in the field of philosophy. For example, in my own intro to aesthetics class as an undergraduate, the syllabus consisted First, creativity. What is the ASA doing well? Philosophers of art entirely of reading Kant. While this was informative in a particular embrace creative, weird, and expansive thinking, while also adher- sense, it was not representative of the field of aesthetics. I had no idea ing to rigorous formal philosophical methods. The ASA rewards this what else was out there. I’ve heard other cases of introductory classes type of thinking—thinking that is both out of the box and adherent to including only white, male philosophers of art. More representation academic standards. A great strength of the philosophers of art who of diverse perspectives and identities can strengthen the field. comprise the ASA is that they tackle really strange and intriguing problems in meticulous ways. For example, in recent ASA conferences Professors can and should talk openly about this lack of diversity I’ve attended, I’ve heard very interesting talks about: the grunge problem. Students deserve to be aware of this problem. It should movement, natural and non-natural musical tones, and video games not be swept under the rug. It too often goes underdiscussed, even as a way to do philosophy, just to name a few. This is all new and by professors who are actively engaged in eradicating this lack of experimental material. In each case, the respective authors/speakers diversity problem in their own lives and work. For me personally, handled this innovative material in very methodical, reasoned ways. it would have helped my understanding of the field of philosophy In addition, the ASA sponsors a variety of creative performances of art tremendously to learn early on that this was a problem and throughout the year, such as the recent The Missing Shade of You, a that attempts are being made to correct it. Otherwise, it’s too easy to dance dialogue between L.A. Paul and Marcel Proust. This sort of interpret the lack of discussion about diversity as a signal that white creatively driven academic and artistic event invites both participants men are naturally better suited to philosophical expertise. Most of us are and audience members to make novel connections between seem- now aware of the extent of this problem. A positive next step could be ingly unrelated subjects. active discussion about it not just among our fellow experts, but also with the general public and undergraduate and graduate students. Moving forward, the ASA could allocate a larger portion of its budget towards these sorts of creative academic events. There’s also room Third, more attention to interdisciplinary study. I think a huge benefit for creativity on the written page. I suggest that conference papers of studying the philosophy of art is that it is, already, a very interdis- and journal articles need not always adhere to stylistic conventions ciplinary field. Philosophers of art deal with related fields including: such as specific font size, standard layout, etc. While there may be ethnomusicology, perception, ethics, metaphysics, history, anthropol- constraints on pagination and layout due to printer specifications for ogy, sociology, etc. Philosophers of art also deal with the individual particular aesthetics journals, I also think there’s room to be inventive arts, including: music, film, dance, theater, painting, sculpture, instal- with s p a c e within these constraints. Part of dealing with creative lations, etc. There are many overlapping issues being raised in these issues of art philosophically can include not only creative prose, but various fields and it is an advantage to philosophers of art that they also creative layout and formatting. There’s also room to experiment already engage with academics in other areas. with accompanying written articles with audio works, performance pieces, visual media etc. When an expert writes an article about the Still, there’s way to push these dialogues with other fields forward nuances of timbre in a particular piece of jazz music, it could help even further. More direct collaboration with the individual arts could readers be on the same page as the expert if they actually heard the be mutually beneficial to philosophers and artists. Because philoso- type of phenomenon the expert describes. There’s no reason why phers of art rely in large part on examples from the individual arts direct links to artworks philosophers reference in written articles in crafting their arguments, the more they know about what artists and/or conference presentations can’t be made more accessible by are up to, the better their philosophical arguments can become. More the ASA. For example, the ASA website could include links to works collaboration and true dialogue between these two groups can func- referenced in recent journal articles or conference presentations. tion to help philosophers with their examples, and also help artists gain insight into how their works are being discussed in academic Second, diversity. There is an increasingly diverse set of philosophers contexts. One specific way to encourage this connection is to invite working in philosophy in general as well as the sub-field philoso- artists to give presentations and/or keynote speeches at the ASA phy of art. This includes more women, more persons of color, more annual conferences. Another suggestion is to have ASA-sponsored gender non-conforming persons, more queer persons, more disabled events featuring talks by artists. These types of events could poten- persons, etc. To the ASA’s credit, it has clearly made an exerted ef- tially be available to the general public, too. This would encourage
4 ASA NEWSLETTER non-philosophers to take an interest in the philosophy of art, which study. Yet, I’ve also suggested that there’s room for further improve- is ultimately in the ASA’s interests, i.e. helping to grow membership. ment. I’ve outlined some specific steps in this direction, including: The ASA might also seek promoting growth via local chapters (NYC non-conventional layout and formatting, more direct discussion of meet-ups, Pacific Northwest meet-ups, Southern California meet-ups, lack of diversity in the classroom, increased collaboration with artists, Southern meet-ups, etc.) to encourage discussion of aesthetics and and more regular location-based group meet-ups. other related fields amongst smaller groups. © Sarah Gokhale 2016 In sum, I’ve suggested that the ASA is doing several helpful and pro- gressive things in the areas of creativity, diversity, and interdisciplinary
Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism Special Issue: The Good, the Beautiful, the Green: Environmentalism and Aesthetics
Guest Editors: Sandra Shapshay and Levi Tenen
Submissions on any philosophical treatment of environmental aesthetics and ethics are welcome, but papers addressing these questions are especially welcome:
• Do we have aesthetic reasons, moral reasons, or some combination of these for protecting the natural environment? • How does an object’s aesthetic value structure our reasons for acting? • Are environmentally beneficial projects (e.g. wind farms) aesthetically flawed? • How do non-western aesthetic approaches conceive of the relation between aesthetics and ethics, especially with respect to the natural world? • Can Land Art be aesthetically flawed for negatively impacting the environment? • What particular actions ought we to take towards the environment? • Are moral reasons more normatively fundamental than aesthetic reasons, vice versa, or is neither more fundamental than the other? • Can, and do, aesthetic values conflict with moral values? • How have past philosophers conceived of the relation between environmental aesthetics and ethics? • What role do aesthetic considerations play in motivating people to act for the sake of the environment? • Does positive aesthetics rest on a moral claim?
Submissions should not exceed 7,500 words and must comply with the general guidelines for submissions. (See “Submissions” on the JAAC page on the American Society for Aesthetics website: www.aesthetics- online.org.) Upload submissions to the JAAC online submission website, https://mc.manuscriptcentral. com/jaac, making sure they are identified as submissions for the special issue: at the prompt for manu- script type, select “special issue” rather than “original article.”
If you have questions, please contact: Sandra Shapshay at [email protected] or Levi Tenen at [email protected].
Deadline: December 31, 2017
SPRING 2017 5 ence would further their own studies and re- assembling the program for the 2017 Annual News from the search. We have suggested this for several Meeting in New Orleans this November. We other conferences in the next year, offering expect to post the program by early June on National Office up to $1000 per conference for this support, the web site and will include notices on Face- and we encourage this for future events. book and Twitter. In the print ASA Newsletter As a member of our dissertation fellowship We are always looking for ways to extend in August, we will have complete information review committee said recently, “The future the benefits of our conferences beyond the on the meeting, including forms for mailing of aesthetics is very bright.” We were very traditional publication of journal articles and in registration and membership renewals. pleased to receive nine competitive appli- this has proven a promising avenue. On-line registration is available now on the cations this year for the ASA Dissertation ASA web site. Fellowship and saddened that we could only Students are also eligible for travel support to award one. (The winner is Madeleine Ran- present their work at our Student Aesthetics For the first time, we are offering subsidies som, University of British Columbia.) conferences; the first was held this March at for child care and waiving registration fees for the College of Charleston and we hope other students and faculty at local Minority Serving As the future of the ASA and aesthetics rests regional events will be held in the coming Institutions with no access to travel funds. For heavily on the students and junior scholars years. Proposals are accepted at any time. more information, please see the web page rising up the ranks, I thought members would The CFP is here: http://aesthetics-online. for the meeting. be interested in knowing more about what we org/resource/resmgr/files/calls/CFP_stu- are doing to support them in their scholarship dent_conferences.pdf. Schedule of Annual Meetings through 2020 and participation in ASA activities. Student Eligibility for Grants and Prizes New Orleans: Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel: Student Travel to the ASA Annual Meeting November 15-18, 2017 (Program chair: A prize exclusively for ASA student members Jonathan Neufeld) A few years ago, the Board of Trustees sig- is the Outstanding Student Paper awarded Toronto: Fairmont Royal York Hotel: October nificantly increased the travel support to the each year at the Annual Meeting. We have 10-13, 2018 (Program Chair: Deborah annual meeting for students with papers now awarded three Dissertation Fellowships, Knight) accepted by the program committee after which provide $25,000, plus up to $5,000 for Phoenix: Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel: the standard anonymous review. For the tuition and fees. A prize for junior scholars October 9-12, 2019 last three meetings (2014, 2015, 2016), we who have completed their PhDs and are Washington, DC: Hilton Crystal City: Novem- have awarded a total of 59 student awards early in their careers is awarded in alternate ber 11-14, 2020 (17 in 2014, 21 in 2015, 21 in 2016). Twelve years, the John Fisher Memorial Prize. Stu- students received support in two of those dent ASA members are eligible for our other Membership years; two received support in all three years. prizes; although senior scholars are most Of those 59 awards, 43 different students competitive, a junior scholar won the Selma Our new Green membership has been avail- received travel support. Jeanne Cohen Prize in Dance Aesthetics able since January 1, 2017. Members receive last year. Students and junior scholars have all benefits of membership, but no print mail- Students can claim up to $1250 in actual also been eligible for the Diversity Curricu- ing of the journal or newsletter. To date, 35 travel expenses; the average claimed over lum Grants, now in their third year, and have members have enrolled. Of those, 14 are these three years was $990. ASA has reim- sometimes won those. The Rocky Mountain international members, eight are students, bursed a total of $58,398 over those years. Division awards student prizes for outstand- and four are US retirees. The cost-savings for We hope that by attending these meetings, ing papers at its annual meeting, generously international members is substantial, as they students will continue as members of ASA funded by the Center for Philosophical Stud- no longer pay the $15 postage surcharge. A and remain active in aesthetics. Of the 30 ies at Lamar University. US retiree told me he is trying to get rid of students who received support in 2014 and/ paper and doesn’t need any more coming or 2015, 20 continue as student members Students and junior members of the profes- into his home. (Green members do receive (and eight received 2016 travel awards), sion have signed up in large numbers for our on-line access to the journal via the Wiley three are now regular ASA members, and Facebook-Group and follow us on Twitter. On-line Library.) seven are no longer members. As ASA membership is not required, this has been a good way to introduce people Grants Student Travel to ASA-co-sponsored Confer- worldwide to aesthetics and the work of the ences ASA, and many have decided to join us as I am always happy to brainstorm with people members. The Graduate Guide to Aesthetics on project ideas and to review draft propos- For several of our co-sponsored conferences, in North America was updated last year and als with an eye to issues that are typically of calls for papers have been announced, with is available for free on our web site. concern to the Board. We recently posted travel support for the best selected; ASA revised guidelines which address many is- student members have sometimes been se- We are always looking for more ideas for how sues that have been of special concern to lected for those. Something new we are try- we can support students and junior members the Board in recent years. Funding decisions ing this year is travel support for ASA student of the profession. Do send us your thoughts are made by the Board of Trustees, and members to attend our conferences. This and ideas. proposals are accepted throughout the year. initiative started with the conference organ- The Board needs at least a week to discuss ized by Michael Kelly and Monique Roelofs, Annual Meeting by e-mail and another to vote, but schedules “Questioning Aesthetics Symposium: Black sometimes require a longer review period. Aesthetics.” Four students were granted Jonathan Neufeld and the program commit- Please note that we often have several pro- travel awards after showing how the confer- tee are hard at work reviewing papers and posals in the pipeline and the Board typically
6 ASA NEWSLETTER only reviews one at a time by e-mail. Allow Ethics and Aesthetics of Stand-Up plenty of time to plan a good conference Conference Comedy Conference and obtain Board approval. In setting dates, Bucknell University, Lewisburg PA please check with us at your earliest opportu- Reports April 5-8, 2017 nity to avoid conflicts with ASA meetings and other co-sponsored conferences. For dates The Ethics and Aesthetics of Stand-Up of those already announced, look for “meet- ASA Annual Meeting Comedy Conference at Bucknell University, ings” at the bottom of any page on our web Seattle, Washington Lewisburg PA, (April 5-8, 2017) featured site and click “more” to see the complete list. November 11-15, 2016 academics, comedians, journalists, and Complete guidelines for major grants are comedy writers in discussion of the theory available on the web site: News-->Grants We received 100 paper submissions for the and practice of the art of stand-up comedy. and Prizes-->Major Project Initiative Grants. meeting. Of these, a few were desk rejected Total conference attendance was over 125 At the bottom of that page is a link to an as unsuitable. One was desk rejected be- and the conference was truly interdisciplin- up-to-date list of grants funded by ASA from cause it was far over the word limit. One was ary and international. In addition to phi- 2011-present. withdrawn. losophy, academic disciplines represented include American studies, Africana studies, 75th anniversary of the ASA Two members of the program committee anthropology, art history, communications, reviewed each of the 95 remaining submis- comparative humanities, classics, dance, Our 75th anniversary is in 2017. The edi- sions, all of which were prepared for anony- English, film studies, geography, interdis- tors of JAAC have announced an exciting mous review. Where the reviewers’ verdicts ciplinary arts, media studies, performance schedule of special publication. The News- were polarized (one very strongly in favor, research, neuroscience, political science, one very strongly opposed) and the submis- letter is publishing special remembrances religious studies, sociology, Spanish, the- sion was on a traditionally marginalized top- from members. The Program Committee is atre, women’s & gender studies, and writing ic, the submission was sent to an additional planning special events for the meeting this & rhetoric. Conference participants hail from program committee member for review. November in New Orleans. For interesting Australia, Britain, Canada, Germany, India There were four such submissions, and two historical information about those 75 years, and the Netherlands and more than 20 U.S. were eventually accepted. please log in as a member to the web site, states. The conference included 5 comedy workshops, 4 keynote talks, and 4 invited look for the big red Members tab in the up- We accepted 51 papers for the program, talks, as well as 17 sessions with three per right, and visit the several “archives” and for an acceptance rate of 53.7% of refereed papers and three commentators each, a “records” sub-menus. We are missing a few submissions. 33 of the submissions were comedian panel discussion with 8 comedi- documents from the early years, but it is a solely authored by women, and one had a ans, evening comedy entertainment by local fascinating history to peruse. woman co-author. Of these 34 submissions, stand-up comedians, Hari Kondabolu, Ca- 19 were accepted, for an acceptance rate of mille Harris, Frog Night, and Paula Pound- ASA Newsletter 55.9%. One of the 19 was later withdrawn. stone. A highlight of the conference was a very successful open mic where conference This is Henry Pratt’s last issue as co-editor We received 12 panel submissions. Of participants put theory to practice. of the Newsletter, and we thank him for his these, one was withdrawn. All program com- service. After a public recruitment for his mittee members reviewed the remaining Sheila Lintott replacement, Shelby Moser was selected. submissions, and the eight submissions with David Goldblatt will continue as co-editor. the highest aggregate review scores were All ASA members receive a print copy of the accepted. Newsletter three times a year; green mem- bers can read it on the ASA web site. It also As in past years, panel proposals were more is available via the Ebsco on-line publication likely than submitted papers to address services at many colleges and universities. traditionally marginalized topics; the accep- tance rate for panels was higher in part be- Intoducing the incoming As always, if you have ideas for how we can cause we wished to ensure the inclusion of Newsletter editor! strengthen the ASA and aesthetics, please such topics on the program. send them along. I attend all three divisional meetings and, of course, the annual meeting. The program committee consisted of Emily E-mail is also fine for sharing your thoughts Brady, Susan Feagin, John Gibson, Darren and suggestions: secretary-treasurer@aes- Hudson Hick, Carolyn Korsmeyer, Shen-yi Shelby Moser is a PhD candi- thetics-online.org Liao, Nick Riggle, Monique Roelofs, Stepha- date at the University of Kent at nie Ross, Sandra Shapshay, Saam Trivedi Canterbury. Her research pri- Julie Van Camp and Sarah Worth. I am grateful to them for Secretary-Treasurer & Executive Director their outstanding work. marily concerns the ontology of American Society for Aesthetics digitally interactive works, video 1550 Larimer St. #644 Respectfully Submitted, games, and street art. Denver, CO 80202-1602 Sherri Irvin [email protected] web site:
SPRING 2017 7 APA with expertise in aesthetics, broadly Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism. The Aesthetics News understood. author will also be invited to read the paper at the annual meeting of the American Society For more information, please contact secre- for Aesthetics in November 2017. Arthur Danto/ASA Prize tary-treasurer@aesthetics-online. The next Fisher Prize will be awarded in The American Philosophical Association 2019, with a submission deadline of January and the American Society for Aesthetics are ASA Election Results 15, 2019. pleased to announce the establishment of the Arthur Danto/American Society for Aesthet- The American Society for Aesthetics is Complete guidelines are here: https://aes- ics Prize. The prize recognizes outstanding pleased to announce the results of the elec- thetics-online.site- ym.com/?page=fisherprize published work in aesthetics in honor of the tion for a new Vice-President and three new late Arthur Danto, a past-president of the trustees, who assumed office on February APA-Eastern Division. 1, 2017. Student Conferences on Aesthetics
The Prize will be awarded to a member of Susan Feagin was elected Vice - Presi- The American Society for Aesthetics is inter- the APA and ASA for the best paper in the dent, and will hold office from February 1, ested in supporting events in North America field of aesthetics, broadly understood, in a 2017-January 31, 2019, and then will be- which introduce promising undergraduate refereed journal, or an original book chapter come the next President of ASA for a two and graduate students to aesthetics. We or original essay published in a collection year term. welcome proposals from ASA members, with a multiplicity of contributors. The award sponsored by their home department or a will be presented in even-numbered years, Three new trustees, Robert Hopkins, Anna regional consortium, to conduct such events, commencing in 2018. Christina Ribeiro, and Paul C. Taylor will beginning in 2017. serve from February 1, 2017-January 31, The winner will receive a $1,000 prize. In 2020. A typical event would occur on a Saturday or addition, a symposium in honor of the re- Friday-Saturday. It would be free of registra- cipient of the Prize will be held at the APA We are very grateful for the service of Domi- tion charges to students and supervising fac- Eastern Division meeting, normally the next nic McIver Lopes, who completes his term ulty. It would be promoted among philosophy such meeting following the selection of the as past-President on January 31, 2017, and and related departments in the geographical prize winner. The symposium will normally will step down from the board. We also are region of the event. If an event is successful, include a summary of the selected paper grateful for the service of three trustees, Gary it could be eligible for continued annual or by the award winner, followed by panelists Iseminger, Peg Brand Weiser, and Rachel biannual support from ASA. In setting dates, commenting upon the ideas of the selected Zuckert, who complete their terms on Janu- applicants should consultant with the secre- paper, then followed by a response from the ary 31, 2017. In December 2017, the ASA will tary-treasurer of ASA to avoid conflicts with award winner. elect three new trustees. Persons interested other ASA events. in standing for election next year should For the 2018 award, the nomination dead- contact the secretary-treasurer@aesthetics- Proposals can be submitted at any time, but line is May 31, 2017. Nominations of papers online.org. it is strongly suggested that they be submit- published in 2015 and 2016 are encouraged ted at least six months before the planned from journal editors, authors, and colleagues. event to allow for adequate publicity and Nominations must be from a person who is a Emine Hande Tuna wins 2017 John Fisher planning. Proposals should be designated as member of both APA and ASA at the time of Memorial Prize the conference of a particular city or region, nomination. Each such person may nominate not an individual campus. E.g., the Chicago- only one paper per year and self-nominations The American Society for Aesthetics is area Student Conference on Aesthetics or are not permitted. The nominated material pleased to announce the winning essay for the New England Student Conference on should be submitted electronically as a PDF the 2017 John Fisher Memorial Prize, an Aesthetics. The ASA expects to support no replicating the original publication. Eligibility award for an original essay in aesthetics, cre- more than four such conferences in a cal- is governed by the volume year of the journal, ated in memory of the late John Fisher, editor endar year. regardless of the date on which the issue of The Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism containing the nominated article actually ap- from 1973 to 1988. For details on requirements for proposals, peared in print. see http://c.ymcdn.com/sites/aesthetics-on- The Prize is intended to foster the develop- line.org/resource/resmgr/files/calls/CFP_stu- In addition to providing the funds for the ment of new talent in the field of aesthetics. dent_conferences.pdf. award, the ASA will provide travel support The competition is limited to those persons to the winner if that person has no other ac- who have completed the terminal degree in Inquiries and draft proposals should be sub- cess to travel funds that could be used for their field and are in the early stages of par- mitted at any time to: secretary-treasurer@ the meeting during the academic year of the ticipation in their profession. aesthetics-online.org. prize receipt. The travel funds would be de- termined solely on the basis of financial need, The winning essay is ”Kant on Informed Pure not the perceived merit of the paper. Judgments of Taste,” by Emine Hande Tuna. Summer Seminar on “Beauty and Why It Dr. Tuna recently completed her doctoral Matters” at University of British Columbia Selection of the winner and the commenta- studies in philosophy at the University of Al- Vancouver, British Columbia tors for the symposium will be made jointly berta. The amount of the Prize is $1,000, and July 9-27, 2018 by representatives from the ASA and the the winning essay will be published in The
8 ASA NEWSLETTER The Board of Trustees of the American So- Mary Beth Willard, Assistant Professor at We- History, History, African and African American ciety for Aesthetics has approved $33,000 ber State University, will speak at the Sum- Studies, Ethno-musicology, Fashion Studies in support of a Summer Seminar on “Beauty mer Program for Women in Philosophy at UC and Comparative Literature and practitioners and Why It Matters,” at the University of Brit- San Diego, and at the 20th Annual Rutgers in these fields – with an eye toward examin- ish Columbia July 9-27, 2018. The seminar Sumer Institute for Diversity in Philosophy. ing the production, consumption, and appre- will be directed by Dominic McIver Lopes, Professor Willard received her PhD at Yale ciation of various art forms. Interdisciplinarity Professor of Philosophy, UBC. University. is also manifest within the more narrow field of philosophical aesthetics in the sense that Twelve participants will be selected for the Shen-yi Liao, Assistant Professor at the Continental and broadly analytic perspectives seminar, with priority for junior faculty and University of Puget Sound, will speak at the are brought into conversation with one an- faculty at teaching-oriented institutions in Summer Immersion Program at Brown Uni- other. These various perspectives, positions, North America and with space reserved for at versity. Professor Liao received his PhD from methodologies and approaches will create a least two contract faculty. A doctorate will be Rutgers University. gumbo of thought and discussion. required, so postdoctoral fellows are eligible, but not graduate students. It is expected that This is the third year that the ASA has spon- some senior applicants will be included, with sored aesthetics speakers at summer di- an eye to what they are likely to contribute to versity institutes. ASA covers all costs for the development of their junior colleagues. the speakers and is pleased to help support Calls for Papers these important diversity programs. All ASA ASA membership will be required at the time members were eligible to apply for these of application for philosophers specialized in appointments. The speakers were selected Arthur Danto/ASA Prize aesthetics. For all others, ASA membership by institute directors from recommendations will be required at the time of accepting a made by a review committee of senior ASA The prize recognizes outstanding published seat in the seminar. Participants will each members. work in aesthetics in honor of the late Arthur receive a stipend of $2700 to cover travel, Danto, a past-president of the APA-Eastern housing, and other expenses. Division. ASA Funds Conference on Race, Art and The seminar will be organized around four Aesthetics in the 21st Century The Prize will be awarded to a member of approaches to answering the question why the APA and ASA for the best paper in the aesthetic value matters: (1) The Power to The Board of Trustees of the American So- field of aesthetics, broadly understood, in a Please, (2) Aesthetic and Other Values, (3) ciety for Aesthetics has approved $7,000 in refereed journal, or an original book chapter Aesthetic Activity and Human Well-Being, funding to support the conference on “Explor- or original essay published in a collection with and (4) Personally Meaningful Aesthetic ing Beauty and Truth in World of Color: Race, a multiplicity of contributors. Pursuits. Art and Aesthetics in the 21st Century.” The conference, organized by Professor Charles The winner will receive a $1,000 prize. In Materials from the seminar will be published Peterson, will be held at Oberlin College Sep- addition, a symposium in honor of the re- at http://beauty2018.arts.ubc.ca and later tember 29-30, 2017. The ASA Trustees also cipient of the Prize will be held at the APA archived on the ASA web site. Participants approved an additional $1,000 to support Eastern Division meeting, normally the next with strong pedagogical interests will be travel by ASA student members to attend the such meeting following the selection of the prize winner. The symposium will normally invited to craft annotated bibliographies and conference. The conference will be free and include a summary of the selected paper sample syllabi, which will also be posted on open to the public. by the award winner, followed by panelists these web sites. commenting upon the ideas of the selected The conference aims to take part in the grow- paper, then followed by a response from the It is expected that the initial call for propos- ing movement to examine the role of race award winner. als to participate will be made on October and ethnicity in the production of various arts 1, 2017. The details on how to apply will be and in aesthetic experience, appreciation, Nominations of papers published in 2015 widely publicized on the ASA web site, ASA and judgment (where these are construed and 2016 are encouraged from journal edi- Newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, and other ven- broadly to include popular culture and many tors, authors, and colleagues. Nominations ues, with an anticipated submission deadline aspects of everyday experience, as well must be from a person who is a member of of January 14, 2018. For the complete list of as their appreciation and other aesthetic both APA and ASA at the time of nomination. grants awarded by ASA since 2011: http:// engagement with them). Race, Art and Aes- Each such person may nominate only one aesthetics-online.org/resource/resmgr/Files/ thetics aims to go beyond the racial binary paper per year and self-nominations are not GrantsPrizes/Grants_awarded.pdf. of Black/White to include the complexity of permitted. The nominated material should be race and aesthetics in a multi-ethnic, multi- submitted electronically as a PDF replicating racial society. With this in mind, scholars are the original publication. Eligibility is governed ASA-Sponsored Speakers at Summer included who will discuss Jewish, East-Asian, by the volume year of the journal, regardless Diversity Institutes and Latino/a perspectives, as well as African of the date on which the issue containing the and African-American expressions. nominated article actually appeared in print. The American Society for Aesthetics is pleased to sponsor speakers on aesthetics The general approach for the conference Nominations should be submitted via the APA at three summer diversity institutes in sum- is deeply interdisciplinary. This conference web site: http://www.apaonline.org/?danto mer 2017: brings together both scholars from a wide range of fields – such as critical race studies, Deadline: May 31, 2017 literature, film studies, English, Studio Art, Art
SPRING 2017 9 Ted Cohen Prize community and that are permanently avail- in 1935 – in the sense of being primarily able to the interested scholarly community of oriented to subjective aesthetic experience, To honor the enormous contributions of students and researchers. “Article” nomina- or is an ‘overcoming’ of traditional aesthet- Ted Cohen to aesthetics and the American tions may be either a refereed article that ap- ics already at work in contemporary art? Is Society for Aesthetics, Andy Austin Cohen peared in a recognized journal or an original, contemporary art downright ‘destructive’, and the ASA established in 2014 a $1000 previously unpublished, chapter or essay in as Heidegger characterizes contemporary annual prize “to recognize writing that is an anthology. Co-authored articles are eligi- literature in a 1966 interview, and in what clear, graceful, and unencumbered by jargon ble. “Book” nominations should consist of a sense? How does the ‘contemporaneity’ of or academic clichés. It should examine seri- published, refereed monograph of original contemporary art relate to Heidegger’s view ous problems in aesthetics while also giving scholarship. Co-authored monographs are of the contemporary historical situation of pleasure to the reader.” In memory of Ted, eligible. Collections of previously published the West between the end of metaphysics his wife Andy Austin Cohen has generously work, anthologies of work by multiple authors, in Hegel and Nietzsche and the forthcoming funded this prize. and translations are not eligible. In the case ‘other beginning’ of Western thought? of co-authored articles or books, prize and The ASA selection committee welcomes travel support will be divided equally among The editors invite article manuscripts on published work of distinction published be- the co-authors. Nominations will be judged these and other questions related to Hei- tween June 1, 2016 – May 31, 2017. Eligible based on significance of the topic or issue, degger and contemporary art. The submis- works are articles or chapters/sections of quality of the research, quality of the writ- sions will go through a blind review process books. Chapters/sections of books should ing, originality, and contribution to the dance and a maximum of four submissions will be be of length comparable to a journal article. literature. selected for publication by the guest editors. Publication is understood to mean publica- The maximum length of the manuscript is tion in venues with peer review recognized Submissions should be directed to Julie 8,000 words. Please follow the style guide- by the scholarly community and that are Van Camp, ASA Secretary-Treasurer, 1550 lines of the journal: http://www.tandfonline. permanently available to the interested schol- Larimer St. #644, Denver, CO 80202-1602 com/action/authorSubmission?journalCode arly community of students and researchers. or secretary-treasurer@aesthetics-online. =rfap20&page=instructions. Eligible publication includes reputable on-line org. The nominated article or book must be journals. Nominations will be judged based submitted in full. Electronic submissions are The submissions should be sent to hei- on adherence to the standards of writing in strongly preferred, in PDF format replicating [email protected] the statement above. Self-nominations are the original publication. If electronic submis- welcome. Only one nomination per year sions are not available, two copies must be Deadline: May 31, 2017 should be submitted. Nominees must be ASA submitted, whether books or articles. members at the time of nomination. Deadline: June 1, 2017 Evental Aesthetics : Social Justice and Submissions should be directed c/o Julie Van Post-Truth Politics Camp, ASA Secretary-Treasurer, at 1550 Larimer St. #644, Denver, CO 80202-1602, Special Issue of Journal of Aesthetics and Evental Aesthetics is an independent, dou- or secretary-treasurer@aesthetics-online. Phenomenology: Thinking Contemporary ble-blind peer-reviewed journal dedicated org. The nominated article or book chapter/ Art with Heidegger to philosophical and aesthetic intersections. section must be submitted in full. Electronic The journal is open-access, and there are no submissions are strongly preferred, in PDF Eighty years have passed since Heidegger’s publication fees. The Editors seek submis- format replicating the original publication. If 1935–36 lectures on The Origin of the Work sions for a special issue in 2017. PDF submission is not possible, then three of Art, which became his most famous and copies of articles or book chapter/section sustained reflection on art. Since then, the This issue will have two parts, one dedicated must be submitted. artworld has moved through modernism and to the theme of Social Justice and Post-Truth postmodernism, on to what is now commonly Politics, and the other devoted more general- Deadline: June 1, 2017 referred to as ‘contemporaneity’. In spite of ly to aesthetic questions of any kind. Thus the his momentous influence on philosophy of Editors seek submissions in two categories. art, Heidegger’s relevance for contemporary Selma Jeanne Cohen Prize in Dance Aes- art has been explored relatively little. The 1. Social Justice and Post-Truth Politics thetics Journal of Aesthetics and Phenomenology will dedicate a special issue in 2017 to contri- ‘Post-Truth’, the Oxford Dictionary’s 2016 In memory of Selma Jeanne Cohen, the butions discussing this complex topic. Word of the Year, relates or denotes ‘circum- American Society for Aesthetics established stances in which objective facts are less influ- a $1000 biennial prize in dance aesthetics, Is Heidegger’s ontology of the artwork, as ential in shaping public opinion than appeals dance theory, or the history of dance. In presented in The Origin of the Work of Art, to emotion and personal belief’. Brexit, the 2017, the Prize will be awarded for an out- in his Nietzsche lectures, and elsewhere in US elections and the spread of ‘fake news’ standing book published from July 1, 2014 his corpus, applicable to contemporary art are just a few examples of a general erosion – May 31, 2017. – and if so, in what ways? How could new of trust in traditional political structures and forms of art, such as digital art, be analysed institutions. In response, new forms of protest The ASA selection committee welcomes from a Heideggerian perspective? How does and resistance are emerging against growing published work of distinction that contributes contemporary art relate to the paradigms of social divisions and politics of exclusion. to dance aesthetics, dance theory, or the his- the Western tradition of metaphysics as Hei- tory of dance. Eligible publications must have degger understands it? Does contemporary Evental Aesthetics seeks submissions that appeared in reputable peer reviewed venues art belong in ‘the domain of the pastry chef’ reflect on the notion of ‘post-truth’ and so- with peer review recognized by the scholarly – as Heidegger provocatively suggested cial justice. How does ‘post-truth’ feature in
10 ASA NEWSLETTER artistic and intellectual practice? What are achievements? We welcome aesthetic and Contemporary Aesthetics the implications of ‘post-truth’ rhetoric on philosophical discussions of the law and aesthetic inquiry? What does the term entail criteria in use in practice in the restoration of Established in 2003 as the first online, free- for politics of the everyday? Have we ever objects of value. access, and peer-reviewed journal in aes- lived in an age of ‘truth’ that is now forgotten? thetics, Contemporary Aesthetics provides a What ‘is the relationship between technol- We offer authors the possibility to submit a forum for constructive and innovative works ogy and ‘post-truths’? Is there a ‘post-truth’ long abstract of around 1000 words consist- that probe current issues and stretch the aesthetic? What observations or connections ing of a detailed outline of the paper and borders of aesthetics. can be made between aesthetics, ethics, and which should include the paper’s structure social justice? Are acts of resistance and pro- as well as its main claims, ideas, and argu- Contemporary Aesthetics has a wide national test inherently aesthetic? How can the study ments. and international readership that included and/or practice of aesthetics become more nearly 150,000 visits last year. Prospective egalitarian, affirming, and just? Please contact the editors for any questions: authors are encouraged to be mindful of this Remei Capdevila [email protected] wide reach, as well as the journal’s commit- 2. General or Sue Spaid articles@aestheticinvestiga- ment to inclusivity. Specifically, manuscripts tions.eu. should be of relevance and interest to read- This section will be devoted to philosophical ers from diverse disciplinary and cultural matters pertaining to any aesthetic practice Deadline: June 30, 2017 backgrounds. The journal also welcomes or experience, including but not limited to art those works that embrace ethical, social, and everyday aesthetics. religious, environmental, and cultural con- The Art of Artertainment: Nobrow, Ameri- cerns, reflecting aesthetics’ historically in- We welcome articles (4,000-8,000 words) can Style terdisciplinary character as well as its recent and Collisions (1,000-2,500 words). Colli- developments. Papers whose maximum sions are brief responses to aesthetic expe- Many of our current cultural practices are length is 7,000 words (including abstract riences that raise philosophical questions, marked by a union of art and entertainment. and notes) should be formatted according pointing the way towards suggestive discus- Underlined by all-pervasive processes of to the submission guidelines specified here: sions. We’re also seeking proposals for Col- globalization and digitalization, this union http://www.contempaesthetics.org/pages/ lisions with academic books (EA’s version of comes in all shapes and sizes, transforming guidelines.html. book reviews). culture so that it can no longer be comfort- ably classified as high or low, art or genre. In the interest of broadening our scope and Submission and formatting requirements, Surprisingly, this ‘art of artertainment’ has not, increasing accessibility to our readers, CA along with further information on Collisions, as yet, attracted much scholarly interest. It is has added a new section to the journal for are available at http://eventalaesthetics.net/ with the aim of overcoming this omission that shorter, more targeted pieces of current submissions/. we launch this call for papers. interest in aesthetics and philosophy of art. These 300-800 word “Short Notes” offer an Deadline: June 1, 2017 As editors of a collection titled The Art of opportunity for discussion and may present Artertainment: Nobrow, American Style, we points of view on topics such as modes of warmly invite articles that focus on all aspects appreciation of environment or of a theater Aesthetic Investigations of American culture, such as literature, televi- performance, an insight gained from a book, sion, cinema, music, painting, material cul- or a response to an article previously pub- “What is authentic about restoration?” for an ture, photography, theater, and all other that lished in the journal. With the exception of upcoming issue of Aesthetic Investigations are influenced by the crossovers of highbrow discussions of books or articles, Short Notes focused on the philosophical implications of with lowbrow. Of special interest are histori- do not ordinarily require citations. preservation, restoration, and conservation, cal and/or analytical approaches illuminated as it applies to art or architecture. Editors by colorful studies of cases where art and Suitable Notes and papers are published as Remei Capdevila and Sue Spaid welcome entertainment come together, written from the soon as they are ready in the order accepted submissions from aestheticians, environ- perspective of aesthetics, history, sociology, with the most recent appearing at the top of mental philosophers, moral philosophers, anthropology, art history, communications, the Journal page. We welcome the use of cognitive philosophers, art conservators, digital culture, and the like. visual images and auditory and video clips to architects, artists, architectural historians, art illustrate the text. historians, etc. Please send an abstract of minimum 400 words along with a biographical note to both We invite your submission. For specific in- Your previously unpublished paper cannot editors, Peter Swirski, Distinguished Pro- structions for preparation and submission, exceed 7500 words (including embedded fessor of American Studies and American please go to the journal’s home page at footnotes) and must be: written in English, Literature ([email protected]) and contempaesthetics.org or contact: editor@ prepared for blind review, follow Aesthetic In- Iris Vidmar, Senior Researcher in the Analytic contempaesthetics.org. vestigations guidelines, and uploaded directly Philosophy of Art and Literature (ividmar@ to the journal’s site. We especially welcome ffri.hr). To coin a slogan, we are looking for Deadline: October 15, 2017 papers from writers whose native tongue is highbrow content and reader-friendly, low- not English. brow style.
Many seem to agree that restoration gener- Deadline: September 1, 2017 ally means “restoring to normal use,” not original conditions. Where does that leave the “authenticity” or traceability of the artist’s
SPRING 2017 11 Journal of Aesthetics and Art Criticism awarded for the best student submission, and Special Issue: The Good, the Beautiful, Upcoming Events attendees will vote on the best poster for the the Green: Environmentalism and Aes- SPP Poster Prize. thetics A pre-conference workshop, co-sponsored by Guest Editors: Sandra Shapshay and Levi Canadian Society for Aesthetics Annual the American Society for Aesthetics, is sched- Tenen Meeting uled for Wednesday, June 28, on Cognitive Toronto, Ontario, Canada Science and Aesthetics. There will also be a Submissions on any philosophical treatment May 27 - 29, 2017 general discussion, led by Jerry Levinson, of environmental aesthetics and ethics are and a dance performance by Barbara Gail welcome, but papers addressing these ques- The 2017 annual meeting of the Canadian Montero and Gregory Kolarus of “Echoloca- tions are especially welcome: Society for Aesthetics will take place in com- tion”, with music composed by Dmitri Tymoc- pany with 70 other Canadian associations, zko. Note: submissions concerning cognitive • Do we have aesthetic reasons, moral including the Canadian Philosophical As- science and aesthetics that are accepted for reasons, or some combination of these for sociation, as part of the 86th Congress of poster presentation will be included in the first protecting the natural environment? the Humanities and Social Sciences. In- poster session, the evening of the workshop. • How does an object’s aesthetic value struc- quiries should be directed to Ira Newman; ture our reasons for acting? Philosophy; Mansfield University; Mansfield Inquiries about the meeting should be di- • Are environmentally beneficial projects PA 16933 (USA); [email protected]. rected to the Program Committee Chairs: (e.g. wind farms) aesthetically flawed? Steven Gross
12 ASA NEWSLETTER psychology, media studies, sociology, and the functions and practices of the film indus- The application should consist of a cv, and a literary studies. However academics within try, and perhaps surprisingly–the stillness of brief statement (500-750 words) that explains these disciplines often do not talk to each vacant place, ground his work. your interest in the topics of the workshop other about their shared interest in games. and how the workshop would fit into your With this conference, our aim is to promote The full conference program is available program of study. One letter of reference is cross-disciplinary dialogue on these issues. here: https://asarmd.com/conference-pro- encouraged but not required. Please include gram-2/. For registration and other details, a statement of your anticipated travel and Attendance at the conference is free, as is see https://asarmd.com or contact Reuben J. accommodation costs. the conference dinner. All other costs will Ellis at [email protected]. need to be met by the speakers themselves. For more information contact: Sonia Sedivy, [email protected]. Inquiries can be addressed to Christopher 75th Annual Meeting of the American So- Bartel ([email protected]) or Derek ciety for Aesthetics Matravers ([email protected]). New Orleans, Louisiana Aesthetic Normativity Conference Please use ‘VGVE 2017’ in the subject line. November 15-18, 2017 Salt Lake City, Utah May 19-20, 2017 Early-bird registration is available on-line The British Society of Aesthetics Annual through October 15. Early-bird deadline for The American Society for Aesthetics has Conference mail-in registration: postmark by October 10. approved funding of $5,200 in support of a Oxford, UK Everyone on the program (as a presenter, conference on Aesthetic Normativity, May 19- September 8-10, 2017 panelist, commentator, or chair) must register 20, 2017, in Salt Lake City. The conference for the meeting and must be a member of the is organized by John Dyck (PhD student at Conference information will be forthcoming ASA. The ASA will provide day care subsidies CUNY Graduate Center) and C. Thi Nguyen shortly. See http://www.british-aesthetics.org and registration waivers for local minority- (Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Utah Val- for updates. serving institutions. ley University). Additional funding is being provided by Utah Valley University and the The submission deadline for papers was University of Utah. ASA Rocky Mountain Division Meeting February 15, 2017. The program will be Santa Fe, NM posted as soon as it is available. The conference will be held at the Utah July 7-9, 2017 Museum of Contemporary Art in Salt Lake The Wollheim Lecturer at this meeting will be City. Dominic McIver Lopes (Distinguished The Thirty-Fourth Annual Meeting of the Professor Derek Matravers, Open University, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Rocky Mountain Division of the American UK. British Columbia) will be the keynote speaker. Society for Aesthetics will take place at the Confirmed speakers also include Nicholas Drury Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico. For more information, contact asanola2017@ Riggle (University of San Diego), Paul C. gmail.com. Taylor (Penn State University), and Katherine Manuel Davenport Keynote Address: Mary Thomson-Jones (Oberlin College). Devereaux. Mary Devereaux, Ph.D., is a philosopher and bioethicist at University of Workshop: Art, Perception and History The conference will be free and open to California, San Diego (UCSD). Much of her Toronto, Canada the public, although pre-registration will be work in aesthetics is dedicated to feminist is- May 5-6, 2017 required. Pre-register at the conference web- sues and moral critiques of the power of art. site:
SPRING 2017 13 Massachusetts. The ASA project is directed might hold for their practices. We envision This travel grant is only available to an ASA by William P. Seeley (Lecturer in Philosophy, this workshop as an interdisciplinary ex- member. University of New Hampshire, and Lecturer change between practitioners in philosophy in Humanities, Bates College). of art, art history, cognitive science, arts edu- Congratulations to Eleen Deprez, University cation, computer science, museum adminis- of Kent, for winning the ASA travel grant to This interdisciplinary workshop is partially tration, and mathematics. present her work at the Workshop on The sponsored by a $40,000 Digital Humanities Arts and Imagination! Startup Grant from the National Endowment The Fitchburg Art Museum will concurrently for the Humanities. The NEH grant was sponsor hands - on exercises in the mu- awarded in April 2016 to Catherine A. Buell seum utilizing WAIVS during the workshop. One-day Workshop in Aesthetics & Cog- (Mathematics, Fitchburg State University), WAIVS will be set up on computer stations in nitive Science in conjunction with annual William P. Seeley, and Rick J. Sethi (Math- the Museum’s arts education gallery. These meeting of the Society of Philosophy and ematics, Fitchburg State University). exercises are part of the planned program- Psychology (SPP) ming for the museum throughout the Spring Baltimore, Maryland The primary goal of the May 19 workshop of 2017 and are designed to demonstrate June 28-July 1, 2017 is to introduce philosophers, art historians, the potential of visual stylometry for museum art educators, and museum administrators arts education programs. This education The American Society for Aesthetics is pro- to the potential that digital image analysis exhibit will enable museum visitors to learn viding $4000 to support the Workshop in tools might hold for their practices. The soft- how to use the software, explore ways it Aesthetics and Cognitive Science at Johns ware used in this project is called WAIVS can be used to classify paintings by artistic Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, June 28, for Workflows for the Analysis of Images in style, and examine some of the paintings in 2017. The Workshop is being held in con- Visual Stylometry. Shelley Reed’s concurrent solo show at the junction with the 2017 meeting of the Soci- museum. Reed uses some elements of ety of Philosophy and Psychology (SPP) on The workshop organizers will be recruiting artistic style that are borrowed from the his- June 28-July 1. Funding for the workshop is up to 45 participants from New England and tory of painting as a jumping off point for her also being provided by the Neuroaesthetics New York, with a focus on participants from work. Her work thereby offers us a unique Initiative of Johns Hopkins’ Brain Science philosophy, art history, and museum educa- opportunity for exploratoin of the functional- Institute (BSI) and by the Johns Hopkins Hu- tion and administration. Two travel grants will ity and flexibility of the software ( see http:// manities Institute (JHU HI). be available to local-area graduate students www.danesecorey.com/artists/shelley-reed). in philosophy. The organizers are Steven Gross (Johns For more information, contact: William See- Hopkins, Philosophy) and Mohan Matthen Speakers at the May workshop include (in ley at [email protected]. (University of Toronto, Philosophy) . The addition to the NEH and ASA project organiz- workshop will consist of three invited sym- ers) Mary Tinti (Associate Curator, Fitchburg posia (on art and skill, art and pleasure, and Museum of Art), Daniel J. Graham (Psychol- Workshop: The Arts and Imagination: creativity), with four speakers each; a gen- ogy of Art, Hobart & William Smith College), the role of metaphors, tropes and images eral roundtable discussion; a dance perfor- Yolanda Gil (Computer Science, University of in shaping experience and guiding action mance and discussion; a closing reception; Southern California), and Charlene Villasenor Adelaide, Australia and a poster session. Black (Art History, UCLA). July 4-6, 2017 There will also be addresses by SPP Presi- Visual stylometry is a new field that lies at The ASA is pleased to co-sponsor this work- dent Shaun Nichols and the winner of the the confluence of cogn itive science , com- shop on “The Arts and Imagination: the role 2017 Stanton Prize, which is awarded to a puter science, and the digital humanities . of metaphors, tropes and images in shaping leading young inter disciplinary researcher. Researchers in this field use digital image experience and guiding action.” The William James Prize will be awarded analysis tools to study the image features for the best student submission, and attend- and image statistics constitutive of artistic Principal funding for the conference has ees will vote on the best poster for the SPP style. For instance, we might imagine that been provided by the Australian Research Poster Prize. SPP has established a fund brushstroke and palette are some of the ba- Council, with an additional $7,000 provided devoted to increasing diversity within the so- sic elements of a painter’s artistic style. Digi- by the ASA. ciety. Eligible student presenters are invited tal image analysis tools allow a researcher to to apply for travel awards when submitting explore both texture information indicative of The initial segment of this project was con- via Easy Chair. Travel awards are to be used brushstrokes and the associated distribution ducted in San F rancisco at the meetings to cover conference-related expenses, in- of color in a set of paintings. This informa- of the American Philosophical Association- cluding transportation, lodging, food, and tion can be used to classify paintings by era, Pacific Division in April 2016. The 2017 por- conference registration. A limited number of school, individual artist within a school, tech- tion of the project will occur at the University additional graduate student travel awards nique, or period within the body of work of of Adelaide and Art Gallery of SA July 4-6, will also be allocated. an individual artist, and to explore the unique 2017. ways that different painters rendered the A pre-conference workshop, co-sponsored subject matter of their works, providing in- The ASA is supporting the costs of video- by the American Society for Aesthetics, is sight into how they used their medium as an streaming of the events so that they can scheduled for Wednesday, June 28, on Cog- expressive or communicative device. Mak- be viewed worldwide. ASA funding also will nitive Science and Aesthetics. ing WAIVS is a one-day workshop designed support a travel grant of up to $2000 for the to introduce philosophers, art historians, art best paper submitted by a graduate student There will also be a general discussion, led educators, and museum administrators to or untenured faculty who does not otherwise by Jerry Levinson, and a dance performance the potential that digital image analysis tools have access to travel funds for this meeting. by Barbara Gail Montero and Gregory Kola-
14 ASA NEWSLETTER rus of “Echolocation”, with music composed and aesthetics in a multi-ethnic, multi-racial organized by Hans Maes , Senior Lecturer by Dmitri Tymoczko. Note: submissions con- society. With this in mind, scholars are in- in History and Philosophy of Art and Direc- cerning cognitive science and aesthetics cluded who will discuss Jewish, East-Asian, tor of the Aesthetics Research Centre at the that are accepted for poster presentation will and Latino/a perspectives, as well as African University of Kent, and Jerrold Levinson, be included in the first poster session, the and African-American expressions. Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the evening of the workshop. University of Maryland. Confirmed keynote The general approach for the conference speakers include A.W. Eaton, Cynthia Free- Inquiries about the meeting should be direct- is deeply interdisciplinary. This conference land, and Jenefer Robinson. ed to the Program Contact: Steven Gross, at brings together both scholars from a wide [email protected]. range of fields, such as critical race stud- A call for additional papers for the confer- ies, literature, film studies, English, Studio ence will be announced shortly. The ASA is Art, Art History, History, African and African funding two travel grants for ASA student Exploring Beauty and Truth in World of American Studies, Ethno-musicology, Fash- members of $500 each for papers selected Color: Race, Art and Aesthetics in the ion Studies and Comparative Literature and for the program. The conference registration 21st Century practitioners in these fields – with an eye fee of $35 will be waived for all ASA mem- Oberlin, Ohio toward examining the production, consump- bers attending the conference. September 29-30, 2017 tion, and appreciation of various art forms. Interdisciplinarity is also manifest within the Contact: Hans Maes, [email protected]. The Board of Trustees of the American So- more narrow field of p hilosophical aesthet- ciety for Aesthetics has approved $7,000 in ics in the sense that Continental and broadly funding to support the conference on “Ex- analytic perspectives are brought into con- ploring Beauty and Truth in World of Color: versation with one another. These various Active Race, Art and Aesthetics in the 21st Cen- perspectives, positions, methodologies and tury.” The conference, organized by Profes- approaches will create a gumbo of thought Aestheticians sor Charles Peterson, will be held at Oberlin and discussion. College, September 29-30, 2017. The ASA Trustees also approved an additional $1,000 For more information, please see: http:// JEFFREY STRAYER has published Haec- to support travel by ASA student members to aesthetics - online. org/ events/ Event ceities: Essentialism, Identity, and Abstrac- attend the conference. The conference will Details.aspx?id=949296&group= or contact: tion with Brill. His book will pick up where be free and open to the public. Dr. Charles Peterson at cpeterso@oberlin. his earlier book Subjects and Objects left off. edu. The conference aims to take part in the THOMAS WARTENBERG has created growing movement to examine the role of a website using works of art to raise philo- race and ethnicity in the production of vari- The Philosophy of Portraits sophical issues. The site can be accessed ous arts and in aesthetic experience, appre- University of Maryland via museumphilosophy.com. ciation, and judgment (where these are con- April 7-8, 2018 strued broadly to include popular culture and The editors welcome any submissions about many aspects of everyday experience, as The American Society for Aesthetics Board your professional acheivements: books pub- well as their appreciation and other aesthetic of Trustees has approved a grant of $3,990 lished, grants, prizes, honors and accolades, engagement with them). Race, Art and Aes- for a conference on “ The Philosophy of and more. Please send your news to us at thetics aims to go beyond the racial binary of Portraits” at the University of Maryland,
Henry Pratt Stepping Down as Newsletter Editor
Alas! This is Henry Pratt’s last issue. Thank you to Henry from the Society, for years of co- editing our Newsletter--with efficiency and imagination.
Working together with Henry has been an easy pleasure even when it came to some of the less exciting tasks of putting together each edition. We started editing this newsletter at the same time, years ago, and so my personal appreciation goes out to him for all he’s done and for help- ing in a smooth transition for our new editor, Shelby Moser.
--David Goldblatt
SPRING 2017 15 American Society for Aesthetics Non-Profit Organization Americanc/o Julie Van Society Camp for Aesthetics U.S.Non-Profit POSTAGE Organization c/o1550 Julie Larimer Van CampSt. #644 U.S. PAIDPOSTAGE Denver, CO SAVANNAH GA 1550 Larimer St. #644 PermitPAID No. 1565 Denver,80202-1602 CO SAVANNAH GA Permit No. 1565 80202-1602
ASA Newsletter ASA editedNewsletter by David Goldblattedited and by Henry Pratt David GoldblattISSN 1089-1668 and Henry Pratt ISSN 1089-1668 The Newsletter is published three times a year by the American Society for Aesthetics. Subscriptions are available to non-mem- The Newsletter is publishedbers threefor $15 times per ayear year plus by postage.the American For subscriptionSociety for Aesthetics. or membership Subscriptions information: are available to non-mem- ASA, c/o Julie Van Camp,bers 1550 for $15 Larimer per year St. #644, plus postage.Denver, COFor 80202-1602subscription Tel.or membership 562-331-4424; information: email:
Deadlines:Deadlines: December December 1, 1, April April 15, 15, August August 1 1 Deadlines: December 1, April 15, August 1
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