Towards Ecocritical Art History: Methods and Practices

Addressing geo-historical and world-ecological problematics of the Anthropocene, art historians have already started to establish vital directions in the field of enquiry identified as environmental humanities. Yet the disciplinary territory is already complex, and perhaps even overwhelmingly disorientating for students and scholars alike. Numerous theoretical positions and conglomerate vocabularies have accumulated around art historical research, drawn from myriad and often incommensurate intellectual traditions. The health of future ecocritical art histories will rely to some degree on the ability to be able to navigate methodological tools that are cognisant of diverse global approaches.

The main objective of this series of workshops is to identify methods (including frameworks, paradigms, approaches and practices) that will facilitate the work of art historians engaged with the issues of environmental interrelation, sustainability, and justice, across all historical periods. Rather than repeat assertions of existing theoretical positions, we wish to encourage open and forward-looking dialogues on methods and practices for all those working 'in the field'. The three workshops will take place over 2021-2022 and will lead to a publication.

Organisers: Dr. Olga Smith (University of Vienna) and Prof. Andrew Patrizio (University of Edinburgh)

Student assistants: Anisha Palat and Eszter Erdosi

With the support of The Vienna Anthropocene Network, University of Edinburgh and The Edinburgh Environmental Humanities Network.

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