Conventionally, gridlock defines a blockage in a traffic network, but the term has been broadly applied to any system breakdown resulting from conflicts between opinions, agendas, bodies, technologies, and other social forces. An exploration of gridlock may be literal, working with traffic and transportation networks, urban, suburban and rural space, or time and travel. Alternatively, gridlock is often typified by stagnation, immobility, no-win situations, spinning one's wheels, and zero-sum games. In the recent 2010 U.S. elections, we witnessed gridlock manifest as the primary agenda between embittered political parties. Gridlock is problematically appealing, as it refuses linear notions of "progress" by stopping the machinery of the system altogether.
Beyond these examples, the grid has long served as formal device in art, architecture and graphic design. While the grid has been challenged by deconstructive and post-modernist aesthetic
practices, there have been returns, re-examinations and
re-appropriations of grids, pixels and their underlying architectures
in both art history and art practice.
Works may be in any media including, but not limited to, video, performance, installation, multimedia, sculpture, painting, drawing, and photography. Selected artists are expected to cover all transportation costs. Artists may have the opportunity to give artist talks during the conference; please inform the conference committee if you would especially like to give an artist talk.
To apply, submit:
[ul]
date, time duration, brief explanation if necessary
We do not accept submissions of original work–digital submissions only. Email [email protected] with submissions, questions and concerns.