Thursday 23 January, 6pm for 6.30pm start
Room 9130, Cantor Building
This lecture reports on an on-going artistic enquiry into the constructed world of objects, bodies and identities. In the collective search for self-realisation and improvement, societies around the globe discussthe pros and cons of altering, rejuvenating and re-designing body parts beyond medical necessities. Today it may be possible to state that, for parts of society, the human body has become a luxury item and acommodity to be optimised and aestheticised with the help of surgeons, psychologists and medical advisors. Are these professional communities engaging in art or design practices? Is self-design (autogenesis) becoming ritualised as a way to enhance social cohesion or to increase social distinction? This lecture will offer ground for debate on the new direction of social rituals, the relationship between art, design and the sciences, and the issues that arise when aesthetics meets ethics.
Places are free and include light refreshments, but must be booked in advance at: http://www.shu.ac.uk/events/corporate-events