26/08/2021
Submissions are open for the Cambridge Journal of Visual Culture's first issue!
The Journal aims to reflect the dynamic and exciting spirit of the discipline through an exploration of a broad range of visual culture from architecture and fine art to fashion and performance. The Journal will combine the contributions of academics with undergraduate and postgraduate work. We are also seeking a variety of perspectives and voices from artists and industry professionals.
Our theme for the first issue is ‘Spaces’.
We are looking for:
Long form essays (of 1000-2500 words)
Interviews
Reviews
Original artwork (which could include painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, video (using stills and QR codes))
Topics could include:
Fine Art
How much do you consider spaces in your appreciation of works of art and how far do you think it influences your understanding of them? We would like you to think about how much artists and curators work on space to craft our experience of fine art, but equally, how works of art themselves modify the perception of the space they inhabit? We encourage students to explore or question these issues in whatever direction they fancy.
Conservation
How can new technologies allow us to better conserve pieces of instillation art, historic monuments, historic interiors or wall paintings?
Instillation artworks often involve extensive interaction from members of the public, should we conserve these works of art to return them to their original state or allow them to show marks of these interactions? You could consider a particular exhibition or consider the question more generally.
How are museums and galleries controlling the ways we engage with artworks, do you feel that this is at the expense of the viewers experience of artworks?
Fashion
Space as a tool for the presentation of fashion, 'runway' in the loosest sense of the word, how does the environment that clothes are presented in affect the garments themselves?
How does set affect clothing and the intersection between the space a collection is shown and the work itself? Runway reviews readily welcomed
Space in relation to the body, the spaces of flesh we decide to cover and the spaces we decide to show, this could be taken in both a collection or house based approach to one that is historical or narrative, all aspects of exploring the relationship between the body and fabric in the context of space or relation to the exposing of different parts of our body to our understanding of class, race, gender, sexuality
Art and Society
In the art and society section, we are encouraging submissions about art and experiences of art that do not fit the traditional categories of art history.
Public debate has recently turned to this issue with the debate surrounding the toppling of the statue of Edward Colston, which has highlighted the way in which art can both contribute too, and manipulate, historical memory and societal identity. However, this is only one example of a connection between history, society, politics and underrepresented communities. Submissions could consider:
What are some interesting non-traditional spaces in which you have experienced art?
How can art in non-traditional contexts contribute to society - both generally and in specific events?
How are artistic spaces in society (that is, in public spheres, streets, squares, or in cyberspace) manipulated to serve political purposes?
What impact does art and architecture have on collective identity and memory?
Performance
How have we been compelled to re-conceptualise ‘space’ as a site for live performance post-pandemic? (e.g - can digital spaces act as a supplement for material ones? In what ways can they do so?)
What is the significance of the relationship between body and space in performance art?
How is performance embedded in social life, community and identity? In what ways do spaces (e.g clubs, institutions) promote or prevent this ?
Has the meaning and/or significance of live theatre changed post-covid?
Architecture
What is the significance of architectural ‘Spaces’ in your life?
What do ‘Spaces’ mean to students and young people during the pandemic?
How does architecture create public and private space in cities? What happens when private spaces are made public (such as National Trust and English Heritage)?
How does architecture create comfortable or hostile spaces?
How do architectural spaces and their usages changed over time?
Applied Arts
How do the objects within a space that is important to you make you feel about the space that they are in?
How do the objects within a space that is important to you make you feel about the space that they are in?
Is there a particular art object that you can think of that changes the space that you find it in, no matter what that space may be? If so, why do you think that is?
How important are the objects we use to adorn our own spaces?
To what extent do you think that art objects dictate how a space is experienced?
The Art World
The Art World section is asking for contributors to consider the role that spaces play in the galleries, museums and auction houses that surround them. Viewing these art institutions as both physical and conceptual spaces offers a broad scope for exploration.
Articles could consider galleries' and auction houses’ move to the virtual sphere was clear to see during Covid but has this emphasis on technology remained since their reopening? How, in your opinion, has Covid altered the gallery or auction experience and space, if at all?
The relevance of art galleries today? are physical spaces still necessary to experience visual culture?
Reviews of recent exhibitions. Have any used space in a particularly interesting or ground-breaking way? Thinking about ‘spaces’ in a more abstract sense, have any exhibitions or events provided a space for discussion and dialogue. Institutions have a responsibility to discuss and provide a platform and space for conversations - how have recent exhibitions, and institutions been providing or not providing this?
Creative
The creative section is looking for contributors to explore the theme 'Spaces'. From architectural to political, cultural, spiritual and everything in between, we would love to see how you explore this theme visually. We're looking for interdisciplinary visual art which includes, but is not limited to, photography, fine art, film, sculpture and installation art.
What do you think is *your* space? Why do you feel strongly attached to it?
What does it mean to occupy space?
How is space perceived differently through different cultures?
Have you ever felt like you're taking up too little or too much space? Why?
The deadline for proposals is the 8th September. If your proposal is selected the first draft will be due at the start of October (exact date tbc). With final drafts by the 24th October (exact date tbc). We hope to publish by the end of Michaelmas term.
However we are open to any interpretation of these topics and the theme!
Please note submissions are only open to students currently studying at a university in Cambridge.
To submit your proposal or artwork please follow this link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwQU6TKnnO3TU8tsDXspb7HsH7yB-vT266ebQL73Zn5JrKig/viewform?usp=sf_link
If you have any questions feel free to message this page or email us at [email protected].
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