Violence, in its manifold forms, has been a persistent phenomenon in the history of art since the Stone Age. This session seeks to examine violence and its visual manifestations through a series of case studies drawn from diverse global cultures and time periods, and to develop critical interpretative approaches to the subject. Papers may address any manner in which violence and visual art intersect, from representations of violence (e.g., interpersonal, institutional, identity-based, religious, cultural, sanctioned and unsanctioned), to art as a form of violence and violence committed against art (iconoclasm). In keeping with the session’s anthropological orientation, papers offering methodological approaches that may be translated across cultural or temporal boundaries and promote interdisciplinary conversation are especially encouraged.

Interested scholars should submit for consideration an abstract of 200 words or less via the following online portal: https://secac.secure-platform.com. Abstracts may be submitted from Tuesday, 11 February through Wednesday, 1 April 2020. Official notifications of decision will be sent via e-mail by Wednesday, 27 May 2020.

Questions regarding the above session may be addressed to the chair at fowlerma@etsu.edu. For general inquiries, please contact the Conference Director, Carly Phinizy (secac2020@vcu.edu).

N.B. Any scholar whose paper is accepted to the session must be (or become) an active member of SECAC through the date of the conference and pay the conference registration fee.