Royal Anthropological Institute
50 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 5BT
Date of Event: 9th February 2027
Closing date for proposals: 1st November 2026
Ruins have long been the object of fascination in western art, where their depiction can be variously interpreted as a return to the antique, an evocation of the mutability of civilisation, a call to the past, a symbolic presentation of the dangers of war, and much else besides. They have featured in their different ways in a host of different art styles, from the Quattrocento to Mannerism, from Romanticism to Post-Expressionism.
What however are anthropologists to make of ruins and their social context? In every society where ethnography has taken place there will have been the remains of the past – how are these understood? Do they have the same or related significance as ruins appear to have held in western art and architecture? Can we render more nuanced our interpretations of our western art traditions through a more varied understanding of the way they may be understood in different cultures across the world? Indeed, are ruins always problematic or significant? If so how? If not, how not?
The aim of this one-day workshop is to explore these issues by bringing anthropologists and art historians together in dialogue. Papers are welcome which aim to offer new interpretations of ruins and their representation; or fresh appreciations of conventional approaches. Proposals are particularly welcomed which bring in comparative and non-western perspectives, and which aim to show how anthropology and the study of art in conversation can provide a stimulating and worthwhile discussion. Detailed ethnographic case studies based on fieldwork are equally welcome.
Abstracts should consist of a title and 150 words, and be submitted by November 1st to david.shankland@therai.org.uk and Ian Herbertson ianherbertson@outlook.com.
The meeting will take place at 50 Fitzroy Street. There is no conference fee, and refreshments will be provided on the day to the participants.
Convenors: David Shankland, Director RAI: Ian Herbertson, member RAI Anthropology of Art Committee.