Art Theory: Words After the World

Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June, 11.00am – 4.00pm

Artist Christian Nyampeta leads a two day study weekend investigating theories of language and life practices. Using ‘idiorrhythmy’—a concept of political theology drawn from early asceticism of the Egyptian deserts and highlighted in Roland Barthes’ seminal lecture series How To Live Together: Novelistic Simulations of Some Everyday Spaces (1978), at the Collège de France—this course looks towards ideas of knowing, learning and feeling, as ways to consider human responsibility not only to each other but also other aspects of mechanisms of reciprocity.

The course will focus on the following:

• Analysis of the phenomenon of rhythm and how its meaning exemplifies the suggestions of linguistic transferences that displace the pedestal of Greek or Latin as singular and unified origins of all contemporary intellectual pursuit.
• Insights of “internationalisms” from the life practices of:  
  – The ascetic women and men who dwelled in the Egyptian deserts during the Late Antiquities, found in the modern and contemporary writing, including of Henrietta Leyser and Michel de Certeau.
  – Philosophical ideas emerging from African and Africana discourses concerned with communality, its discontent and its futures, including the writing of Katherine McKrittick and Souleymane Bachir Diagne.

Over the two days, participants will have the opportunity to engage with a range of materials, from practical personal projects including notebook making to discussing and reflecting on ideas presented through short lectures, readings and film screenings. Participants are invited to bring collected material to use for their own introduction, discussions and notebook making during the weekend.

This study weekend is run in conjunction with Christian Nyampeta’s residency at Camden Arts Centre (18th May – 24th September 2017). Words After the World is the working title of Christian Nyampeta’s forthcoming exhibition at Camden Arts Centre. 

Christian Nyampeta’s artistic-philosophical enquiry considers ways of living together. Nyampeta's work is informed by a study of concepts of rhythms and harmonies from ancient Western asceticism and contemporary African/a philosophy.

Eligible Concessions
Concessionary fees are available to attendees who are in receipt of housing and council tax benefits, income support, job seekers allowance or a state pension; full time students with NUS cards or those who are registered disabled.

Please bring evidence of your concessionary status and show it to the ticketing staff on the day of the event.

Refund Policy
Please note that bookings are non-transferable and non-refundable unless the event is cancelled by the Centre.

The space is wheelchair accessible. Please contact us if you have any additional access requirements.