British Academy: The UK's National Academy for the Humanities and Social Sciences
Gallus gallus with Still Life and Presidents
A discussion evening convened by Myles Burnyeat, FBA, University of Cambridge and chaired by Keith Thomas, FBA, University of Oxford, and past President of the British Academy (1993-1997)
Wednesday, 4 June 2008
7pm to 8.30pm, followed by a drinks reception
The British Academy, 10 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1
The aim of the evening is an aesthetic and philosophical discussion which will probe the limits of interpretation which run beyond the knowledge of the artist. It will take a British Academy portrait, The Six Presidents of the Academy (Gallus gallus with Still Life and Presidents) by Stuart Pearson Wright - which won the National Portrait Gallery/BP Portrait Award in 2001 - to initiate a deeper discussion about the nature and limits of aesthetic and critical interpretation. To what extent is it permissible or appropriate to read a work of art in the light of concepts and debates that were unknown to the artist at the time of the work? This will be interdisciplinary discussion which will bring together (at least) a debate in Greek philosophy with the interpretation of a contemporary portrait.
Speakers:
Gillian Beer, FBA, University of Cambridge
Myles Burnyeat, FBA, University of Cambridge
Malcolm Budd, FBA, University College London
Stuart Pearson Wright, Artist
Emma Wesley, Artist and member, Royal Society of Portrait Painters
- Gallus gallus with Still Life and Presidents may be viewed here: http://www.britac.ac.uk/misc/guide/mall.html#presidents
- Read Myles Burnyeat's position paper
Please note our registration and seating policy:
- The rooms for this event will be open from 6.30pm onwards - please do not arrive at the Academy before this time.
This event is free of charge, there is no advance registration, and no tickets will be issued for this event. - Seats will be allocated on a strict first come, first served basis.