MoMA Talks: Conversations

Saturday, May 21, 2011 9:30 AM This two-day program brings together artists, art historians, scholars, critics, writers, and speech and performance studies experts to discuss possible frameworks for better understanding issues surrounding art speech and methods for being direct and achieving clarity in spoken public presentations in the visual arts. The spoken public presentation is central in the field of the visual arts, particularly in the area of adult learning. Public program departments in museums operate based on a set of conventions regarding the way they present lectures or discussions about art involving artists, art historians, and/or theorists. Yet very little qualitative analysis has been conducted on the effectiveness of these presentations. Often times, public presentations are deemed impenetrable or obscure. What is communicated in writing cannot always be easily grasped when presented on stage. Using a variety of strategies, this year’s forum will seek to anatomize art historians' and artists' habits at the podium. Sessions will include reenactments of famous acts of criticism, critiques of the academic slide show, an investigation of the effects of apparently authoritative presentations, experiments in the effects of stage presence, and analyses of the academic introduction and of the performative. Program Schedule 9:30–10:00 a.m. Coffee and snacks 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Session 1 10:00–10:15 James Elkins discusses the philosophical and rhetorical problems with art speech 10:15–10:45 Christophe Cherix, Chief Curator, Department of Prints and Illustrated Books, The Museum of Modern Art, presents a film of Robert Morris's early performance work 21.3 (1964) 10:45–11:45 Donald Preziosi, Professor of Art History, University of California, Los Angeles, deconstructs one of his previous talks, followed by a conversation with James Elkins 11:45–12:30 Anna Kryczka, PhD candidate, Visual Studies, University of California, Irvine, talks about “Our Literal Speed,” with a response by Abbey Shane Dubin on behalf of “Our Literal Speed.” A conversation follows 12:30–12:45 p.m. Coffee break 12:45–1:20 p.m. Respondent's panel discussion Respondents: Charles Altieri, Professor of English, University of California, Berkley; Alexander Alberro, Virginia Bloedel Wright Professor of Art History, Barnard, Columbia University, New York; Pablo Helguera; and James Elkins 1:20–2:00 p.m. Q&A

Saturday, May 21, 2011 9:30 AM This two-day program brings together artists, art historians, scholars, critics, writers, and speech and performance studies experts to discuss possible frameworks for better understanding issues surrounding art speech and methods for being direct and achieving clarity in spoken public presentations in the visual arts. The spoken public presentation is central in the field of the visual arts, particularly in the area of adult learning. Public program departments in museums operate based on a set of conventions regarding the way they present lectures or discussions about art involving artists, art historians, and/or theorists. Yet very little qualitative analysis has been conducted on the effectiveness of these presentations. Often times, public presentations are deemed impenetrable or obscure. What is communicated in writing cannot always be easily grasped when presented on stage. Using a variety of strategies, this year’s forum will seek to anatomize art historians' and artists' habits at the podium. Sessions will include reenactments of famous acts of criticism, critiques of the academic slide show, an investigation of the effects of apparently authoritative presentations, experiments in the effects of stage presence, and analyses of the academic introduction and of the performative. Program Schedule 9:30–10:00 a.m. Coffee and snacks 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Session 1 10:00–10:15 James Elkins discusses the philosophical and rhetorical problems with art speech 10:15–10:45 Christophe Cherix, Chief Curator, Department of Prints and Illustrated Books, The Museum of Modern Art, presents a film of Robert Morris's early performance work 21.3 (1964) 10:45–11:45 Donald Preziosi, Professor of Art History, University of California, Los Angeles, deconstructs one of his previous talks, followed by a conversation with James Elkins 11:45–12:30 Anna Kryczka, PhD candidate, Visual Studies, University of California, Irvine, talks about “Our Literal Speed,” with a response by Abbey Shane Dubin on behalf of “Our Literal Speed.” A conversation follows 12:30–12:45 p.m. Coffee break 12:45–1:20 p.m. Respondent's panel discussion Respondents: Charles Altieri, Professor of English, University of California, Berkley; Alexander Alberro, Virginia Bloedel Wright Professor of Art History, Barnard, Columbia University, New York; Pablo Helguera; and James Elkins 1:20–2:00 p.m. Q&A

Friday, May 20, 2011 1:00 PM This two-day program brings together artists, art historians, scholars, critics, writers, and speech and performance studies experts to discuss possible frameworks for better understanding issues surrounding art speech and methods for being direct and achieving clarity in spoken public presentations in the visual arts. The spoken public presentation is central in the field of the visual arts, particularly in the area of adult learning. Public program departments in museums operate based on a set of conventions regarding the way they present lectures or discussions about art involving artists, art historians, and/or theorists. Yet very little qualitative analysis has been conducted on the effectiveness of these presentations. Often times, public presentations are deemed impenetrable or obscure. What is communicated in writing cannot always be easily grasped when presented on stage. Using a variety of strategies, this year’s forum will seek to anatomize art historians' and artists' habits at the podium. Sessions will include reenactments of famous acts of criticism, critiques of the academic slide show, an investigation of the effects of apparently authoritative presentations, experiments in the effects of stage presence, and analyses of the academic introduction and of the performative. Program Schedule 1:00–1:15 p.m. Opening Remarks Pablo Helguera, Director of Adult and Academic Programs, Department of Education, The Museum of Modern Art; and James Elkins, E.C. Chadbourne Chair in the Department of Art History, Theory, and Criticism, School of the Art Institute of Chicago 1:15–2:30 p.m. Session 1: The Slide Talk and Museum Talk Dissected 1:15–1:25 Introduction by Pablo Helguera 1:25–1:40 Carey Young, artist, on her recent work Speechcraft, a mass participative event involving the public-speaking club Toastmasters 1:40–1:55 Monika Szewczyk, Head of Publications, Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art, Rotterdam, on modes of visual presentation 1:55–2:10 Jonathan Gilmore, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Yale University, New Haven, examines the slide lecture 2:10–2:30 Discussion and Q&A 2:30–2:45 p.m. Coffee Break 2:45–4:00 p.m. Session 2: The Art Historical Lecture 2:45–3:00 Introduction by James Elkins 3:00–3:10 Video excerpt of lecture by T. J. Clark 3:10–3:30 Claus Noppeney, Professor, Bern University of the Arts, Bern, Switzerland, discusses video excerpt 3:30–3:45 Ellen Levy, artist and Associate Professor, Pratt Institute, New York, analyzes video excerpt 3:45–4:00 Conclusions 4:00–5:00 p.m. Panel discussion and Q&A Respondents: Marjorie Perloff, Professor Emerita of Humanities, Stanford University; Benjamin Binstock, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Cooper Union, New York; Pablo Helguera; and James Elkins

Friday, May 20, 2011 1:00 PM This two-day program brings together artists, art historians, scholars, critics, writers, and speech and performance studies experts to discuss possible frameworks for better understanding issues surrounding art speech and methods for being direct and achieving clarity in spoken public presentations in the visual arts. The spoken public presentation is central in the field of the visual arts, particularly in the area of adult learning. Public program departments in museums operate based on a set of conventions regarding the way they present lectures or discussions about art involving artists, art historians, and/or theorists. Yet very little qualitative analysis has been conducted on the effectiveness of these presentations. Often times, public presentations are deemed impenetrable or obscure. What is communicated in writing cannot always be easily grasped when presented on stage. Using a variety of strategies, this year’s forum will seek to anatomize art historians' and artists' habits at the podium. Sessions will include reenactments of famous acts of criticism, critiques of the academic slide show, an investigation of the effects of apparently authoritative presentations, experiments in the effects of stage presence, and analyses of the academic introduction and of the performative. Program Schedule 1:00–1:15 p.m. Opening Remarks Pablo Helguera, Director of Adult and Academic Programs, Department of Education, The Museum of Modern Art; and James Elkins, E.C. Chadbourne Chair in the Department of Art History, Theory, and Criticism, School of the Art Institute of Chicago 1:15–2:30 p.m. Session 1: The Slide Talk and Museum Talk Dissected 1:15–1:25 Introduction by Pablo Helguera 1:25–1:40 Carey Young, artist, on her recent work Speechcraft, a mass participative event involving the public-speaking club Toastmasters 1:40–1:55 Monika Szewczyk, Head of Publications, Witte de With Center for Contemporary Art, Rotterdam, on modes of visual presentation 1:55–2:10 Jonathan Gilmore, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Yale University, New Haven, examines the slide lecture 2:10–2:30 Discussion and Q&A 2:30–2:45 p.m. Coffee Break 2:45–4:00 p.m. Session 2: The Art Historical Lecture 2:45–3:00 Introduction by James Elkins 3:00–3:10 Video excerpt of lecture by T. J. Clark 3:10–3:30 Claus Noppeney, Professor, Bern University of the Arts, Bern, Switzerland, discusses video excerpt 3:30–3:45 Ellen Levy, artist and Associate Professor, Pratt Institute, New York, analyzes video excerpt 3:45–4:00 Conclusions 4:00–5:00 p.m. Panel discussion and Q&A Respondents: Marjorie Perloff, Professor Emerita of Humanities, Stanford University; Benjamin Binstock, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Cooper Union, New York; Pablo Helguera; and James Elkins

Discussion with Peter Eleey Monday, May 09, 2011 12:00 PM Join us for Artists Present at Noon, the second in a special two-part series of talks by contemporary artists. In sessions consisting of short and dynamic presentations of 20 images, 25 seconds per image, loosely modeled on an informal Japanese presentation style, artists discuss their work, creative process, and other issues in contemporary art, followed by a moderated discussion. This session will focus on artists who create and present work that moves beyond the object, from publications and events to public talks and writing.

Discussion with Peter Eleey Monday, May 09, 2011 12:00 PM Join us for Artists Present at Noon, the second in a special two-part series of talks by contemporary artists. In sessions consisting of short and dynamic presentations of 20 images, 25 seconds per image, loosely modeled on an informal Japanese presentation style, artists discuss their work, creative process, and other issues in contemporary art, followed by a moderated discussion. This session will focus on artists who create and present work that moves beyond the object, from publications and events to public talks and writing.

Alexandre Singh Monday, May 09, 2011 12:00 PM Join us for Artists Present at Noon, the second in a special two-part series of talks by contemporary artists. In sessions consisting of short and dynamic presentations of 20 images, 25 seconds per image, loosely modeled on an informal Japanese presentation style, artists discuss their work, creative process, and other issues in contemporary art, followed by a moderated discussion. This session will focus on artists who create and present work that moves beyond the object, from publications and events to public talks and writing.

Alexandre Singh Monday, May 09, 2011 12:00 PM Join us for Artists Present at Noon, the second in a special two-part series of talks by contemporary artists. In sessions consisting of short and dynamic presentations of 20 images, 25 seconds per image, loosely modeled on an informal Japanese presentation style, artists discuss their work, creative process, and other issues in contemporary art, followed by a moderated discussion. This session will focus on artists who create and present work that moves beyond the object, from publications and events to public talks and writing.

Matt Keeganr Monday, May 09, 2011 12:00 PM Join us for Artists Present at Noon, the second in a special two-part series of talks by contemporary artists. In sessions consisting of short and dynamic presentations of 20 images, 25 seconds per image, loosely modeled on an informal Japanese presentation style, artists discuss their work, creative process, and other issues in contemporary art, followed by a moderated discussion. This session will focus on artists who create and present work that moves beyond the object, from publications and events to public talks and writing.

Matt Keeganr Monday, May 09, 2011 12:00 PM Join us for Artists Present at Noon, the second in a special two-part series of talks by contemporary artists. In sessions consisting of short and dynamic presentations of 20 images, 25 seconds per image, loosely modeled on an informal Japanese presentation style, artists discuss their work, creative process, and other issues in contemporary art, followed by a moderated discussion. This session will focus on artists who create and present work that moves beyond the object, from publications and events to public talks and writing.

Angie Keefer Monday, May 09, 2011 12:00 PM Join us for Artists Present at Noon, the second in a special two-part series of talks by contemporary artists. In sessions consisting of short and dynamic presentations of 20 images, 25 seconds per image, loosely modeled on an informal Japanese presentation style, artists discuss their work, creative process, and other issues in contemporary art, followed by a moderated discussion. This session will focus on artists who create and present work that moves beyond the object, from publications and events to public talks and writing.

Angie Keefer Monday, May 09, 2011 12:00 PM Join us for Artists Present at Noon, the second in a special two-part series of talks by contemporary artists. In sessions consisting of short and dynamic presentations of 20 images, 25 seconds per image, loosely modeled on an informal Japanese presentation style, artists discuss their work, creative process, and other issues in contemporary art, followed by a moderated discussion. This session will focus on artists who create and present work that moves beyond the object, from publications and events to public talks and writing.

Introduction and Alejandro Cesarco Monday, May 09, 2011 12:00 PM Join us for Artists Present at Noon, the second in a special two-part series of talks by contemporary artists. In sessions consisting of short and dynamic presentations of 20 images, 25 seconds per image, loosely modeled on an informal Japanese presentation style, artists discuss their work, creative process, and other issues in contemporary art, followed by a moderated discussion. This session will focus on artists who create and present work that moves beyond the object, from publications and events to public talks and writing.

Introduction and Alejandro Cesarco Monday, May 09, 2011 12:00 PM Join us for Artists Present at Noon, the second in a special two-part series of talks by contemporary artists. In sessions consisting of short and dynamic presentations of 20 images, 25 seconds per image, loosely modeled on an informal Japanese presentation style, artists discuss their work, creative process, and other issues in contemporary art, followed by a moderated discussion. This session will focus on artists who create and present work that moves beyond the object, from publications and events to public talks and writing.

Friday, May 6, 2011 1:00–5:00 PM This half-day symposium centers on the potential of the print as a medium for the dissemination of art and ideas. We will address the print’s ability to represent formal innovations and aesthetic goals, to communicate issues of war and national pride, and to appear alongside news, commentary, and literature in publications and periodicals. Moderated by exhibition curator, Starr Figura, Associate Curator, Prints & Illustrated Books, MoMA. Held in conjunction with the exhibition German Expressionism: The Graphic Impulse. Program Schedule 
1:05–1:20 p.m. Welcome and introduction, Starr Figura 
1:20–1:45 p.m. Meike Hoffmann, Kunsthistorisches Institut, Freie Universität Berlin, "Early Expressionism between the Artist and the Audience" 
1:45–2:10 p.m. Christian Weikop, Visiting Lecturer, University of Edinburgh, "‘Arboreal Expressionism:’ The Wood Culture of the Brücke Artists" 
2:10–2:35 p.m. Timothy O. Benson, Curator, The Robert Gore Rifkind Center for German Expressionist Studies, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, "Expressionist Periodicals and the Intersection of Literature, Prints, and Politics" 2:35–2:50 p.m. Coffee break, Education and Research Building, mezzanine 
2:50–3:15 p.m. Shulamith Behr, Senior Lecturer in German 20th-Century Art, The Courtauld Institute of Art, "Between Authenticity and the Multiple: Käthe Kollwitz, Graphic Dissemination, and Dealership" 
3:15–3:40 p.m. Peter Jelavich, Professor of History, Johns Hopkins University, "Graphic War" 
3:40–4:05 p.m. Rose-Carol Washton Long, Professor of 19th- and 20th-Century European Art, Department of Art History, The CUNY Graduate Center, "Prints and Politics in the Immediate Postwar Era" 
4:05–4:40 p.m. Moderated discussion 
4:40–5:00 p.m. Q&A 
5:00–6:00 p.m. Reception, Education and Research Building, mezzanine