Topics in Comparative Studies 1 (S1, 2016/2017)

Semester 1

Tuesday, 10 a.m. -1 p.m.

Performance and Spaces of Contemporaneity
Manuela Carvalho

Performance Studies have a long history of relations with the visual arts and media. From different theatrical practices, rituals and festivals to the more recent multimedia and site-specific performances, there is a rich field of analysis that allows us to explore questions related with perception and experience.

Taking the urban space as the space of contemporaneity par excellence, this seminar proposes to analyse objects, modes of contemporary cultural expression and artistic practices, such as video, documentary, photography, architecture, stage design, site-specific and urban performances, in relation with theories and politics of the production of space and everyday life, as well as with theories of visual culture.

Some of the artists and groups that will be considered are Sophie Calle, Gregory Crewdson, Marina Abramovic, Orlan, Rachel Witheread, Banksy, Janet Cardiff, Marta Traquino, Gabriela Vaz-Pinheiro, Forced Entertainment, Blast Theory, the Builders Association.