The artist, art and the public

The question on whether contemporary art is public relations or a public nuisance will be tackled in the upcoming talk in the series Work In Progress In The Social Studies on Wednesday.

Raphael Vella, from the university's Faculty of Education, will address the question in his paper that focuses on the relationship between the contemporary artist, the work of art and the public.

The subject is explored via different examples, from controversies about Holocaust memorials to irreverent approaches to religion in Maltese contemporary art.

The thought of French philosopher Jean-Francois Lyotard provides a theoretical backdrop against which these examples are set. It opposes the notion of cultural stability with an incisive defence of avant-garde experimentation in the arts.

The seminar will be held at the Mediterranean Institute Room 124 opposite the university library between 6 - 7.30 p.m. Entrance from car park 4. The public is welcome.