Session: #12

Content:

The practice of archaeology, as well as archaeologically derived information and objects, can inspire a wide variety of artistic expressions ranging from straightforward computer-generated reconstructions and digital interventions to traditional artists' conceptions and other art forms such as public sculpture, poetry, music, opera, theatrical performances, exhibits, and storytelling. Although some level of conjecture will always be present in these works, they may be no less conjectural than technical interpretations and have the benefit of providing visual and conceptual metaphors that can communicate context, setting, and resource significance in compelling, novel, diverse, and unique ways. Conversely, experience with and exposure to art can inspire researchers to use and produce artistic and innovative expressions. These cognitive connections between archaeology and the arts reflect an inferential approach in defining, explaining, and introducing an object or resource and making it more meaningful to the public.
Our session examines a variety of examples of this approach as it applies to more meaningful and effective processes of interpretation that emphasize public awareness, access, and inspiration. We invite illustrations that show the relationships between archaeological phenomena and artistic representation, i.e., how archaeology has inspired artistic expression, and, conversely, how artistic expression has affected the ways archaeology is carried out and perceived by the public. Our hope is that the session will serve as a cornerstone for developing a substantive elaboration and publication sequel to an innovative book with a similar theme, entitled Ancient Muses: Archaeology and the Arts (University of Alabama Press, 2003).

Session: #12

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