The relationship between language and the visual has been a central theme in Western art since the mid-20th century at the latest, and in the process has been constantly accompanied by a great discursive dynamic. The territories of word and image are in motion, overlapping and opening up, reflections and theorems wandering back and forth. Concrete - above all also artistic - questions that derive from this are, for example:  Where, if at all, is the dividing line between the written character and the image? What lies in between and perhaps outside? How does the relationship change when the word is not written but spoken? 

Through shared reading and discussion of foundational or introductory texts (W.J.T. Mitchell, Terry Eagleton, Benjamin H. Buchloh), a basic understanding of the theoretical and practical range and historical relevance of these questions will be provided.

By visiting and discussing ongoing exhibitions in Vienna (Secession, mumok, Kunsthalle Wien, Belvedere 21), the discussion will be expanded to include a direct look at contemporary art practice. This leads to a confrontation, through which in particular the "own" connection between visuality and language, between what is seen and what is directly processed in language, is addressed and activated.

Attendance, short presentation on a section of the basic texts or short paper (1-2 pages).

Details on the texts and their presentations will be announced at the preliminary meeting.