M HKA Thursday March 12, 2015, 6–8pm

Lectures, debate, book launch
Aesthetic Justice. Intersecting Artistic and Moral Perspectives

In a world ruled by seemingly continuous and increasingly complex conflicts, questions about justice, about 'the right' course of action, are at the forefront of artistic investigation. In Aesthetic Justice sociologist Pascal Gielen and curator Niels Van Tomme invite a variety of artists and critical thinkers to reflect on new futures for the notion and practice of justice. Launching the proposition of ‘aesthetic justice,’ the book offers thought-provoking views on how works of art can confront, and potentially redirect social and political imaginaries. Using analyses of contemporary artworks that challenge the social, political, or economic status quo, as well as theoretical reflections and interviews with artists, the book suggests alternatives for a more just future.

Through lectures and debate the proposition of this book will be discussed at M HKA.

6pm – lecture Niels Van Tomme: Aesthetic Justice: Always Yet-To-Come
6:30pm – lecture Pascal Gielen: The Matter of Justice in Repressive Liberal Times
7pm – debate between Nav Haq, Pascal Gielen, and Niels Van Tomme

M HKA
Leuvenstraat 32
2000 Antwerpen
Belgium

Book
Aesthetic Justice
Intersecting Artistic and Moral Perspectives
Pascal Gielen, Niels Van Tomme (eds.)

Authors: Zoe Beloff, Arne De Boever, Mark Fisher, Matt Fraser, Pascal Gielen, Kerry James Marshall, Viktor Misiano, Carlos Motta, Nat Muller, Julie Atlas Muz, Tessa Overbeek, Gerald Raunig, Dieter Roelstraete, Hito Steyerl, Julia Svetlichnaja, Hakan Topal, Niels Van Tomme, Samuel Vriezen, Christian Wolff

Pascal Gielen is professor for sociology of art and for cultural politics at Groningen University. He is also director of the research institute Arts in Society. Gielen has written several books on contemporary art, cultural heritage, and cultural politics.

Niels Van Tomme is a New York-based curator, researcher and critic currently associated with the Center for Art, Design and Visual Culture in Baltimore. His exhibition projects are shown internationally and investigate the intersections of contemporary culture, politics, and aesthetics.

Publisher: www.valiz.nl; design: Metahaven; Antennae Series, Arts in Society, with Fontys School of Fine and Performing Arts, Tilburg; 320 pp, ENG, ISBN 978-90-78088-86-8, € 19,90

To order the book: EU / US