Iconoclashes

Public Meeting jointly organised by Centre for Advanced Study and The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. Chair: Vigdis Broch-Due, CAS

Bilde

Usually images are made, spread and discarded without much controversy. However, recent events for instance in Denmark, France and Syria have shown that images and figurations do have a potential for grave conflict. Millions in the Western and also the Arab world are horrified by the way ISIL treat figurations from the cultural heritage of humankind.

This panel debate aims to see these "iconoclashes", along with those of earlier European history, in a broader perspective: Why is it that images can be used to create such heated significance, in Europe as much as in the Arab world? Are there more than simply images at stake here? What is the history of images and figurations in the respective cultures and how can iconoclashes in biblical and European history help us understand what is going on?  

Speakers:

Øystein la Bianca, Andrews University, Michigan; Birgit Meyer and Umar Ryad, University of Utrecht, Terje Stordalen, University of Oslo

Each of the four panellists will offer a 15-minute presentation. The ensuing discussion amongst them and with the audience will be chaired by Vigdis Broch-Due, Scientific Director of CAS.