The main strand of the fourth edition of this coupDefouet Congress intends to address new perspectives on the Art Nouveau movement in relation to national identities (art, society and thought). The coincidence in time of constructing national identities is cause for analysis and thought from a variety of perspectives.

Argument

The Art Nouveau European Route is convening the IV coupDefouet International Congress on Art Nouveau, which is jointly organised by Barcelona City Council and Barcelona University and is to be held in Barcelona from 29 June to 2 July 2023.

The main strand of the fourth edition of this coupDefouet Congress intends to address new perspectives on the Art Nouveau movement in relation to national identities (art, society and thought). The coincidence in time of constructing national identities is cause for analysis and thought from a variety of perspectives.

The second strand focuses on the decorative programmes of buildings, in addition to linking these to the restoration initiatives that have made it necessary to recover 19th-century techniques and trades. The third strand is dedicated to Lluís Domènech i Montaner, to mark the centenary of his death, and Art Nouveau around the world, exploring the influences received and mastery exercised by this architect throughout the world. Finally, the fourth strand of the programme is the section on research and doctoral theses in progress, which encourages doctoral students and senior researchers to share their analyses and opinions.

1. The Art Nouveau Movement and National Identities (Art, Society and Thought)

The coincidence in time between the construction of national identities and the irruption of Art Nouveau is cause for analysis and thought from a variety of perspectives. This relationship was more than temporary in many regions of Europe, and art in each of these countries was deeply tied to a society that ushered in a way of thinking entrenched in identity factors such as language, history and land.

This strand will include presentations that critically explore these ties.

2. The Decorative Programmes of Buildings (Homes, Hospitals, Factories, Institutions, etc.)

Art Nouveau was censured for decades because of its decorative overindulgence, which was connected to displaying the wealth of a clientele eager to be seen. Decorative programmes responded to a concept of beauty based on adornment. Initiatives to preserve and restore the heritage of each city have brought to the forefront the need to recover techniques and trades of the decorative and industrial arts related to Art Nouveau, and this has also increased a general awareness of its value.

Papers looking into such aspects will be included in this strand.

3. Lluís Domènech i Montaner and Art Nouveau Worldwide

To mark the occasion of the centenary of the death of the great Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, this strand aims to explore his connections with architects, artists and intellectuals worldwide. On the one hand, everything related to his references and correspondence with Viollet-le-Duc, Berlage, Wagner or Olbrich, among others, and on the other hand, Domènech’s artistry in his disciples and followers.

Papers demonstrating how Domènech’s architecture and art were influenced by others, and how Domènech exerted influenced on others, or to what extent they had shared influences, will be evaluated.

4. Research and Doctoral Theses in Progress

The selection of papers within this strand will favour presentations on any Art Nouveau-related topic by researchers or research groups that can contribute projects that may stimulate a discussion in which both postgraduate students working on their theses and more experienced researchers in the field of Art Nouveau can share their analyses and opinions.

How to submit a paper

To submit a paper to the consideration of the Scientific Committee of the 4th coupDefouet International Congress on Art Nouveau, please follow the steps below :

• Download the template that you will find clicking on this link and fill it in according to the instructions.
• Copy-paste your paper abstract and your curriculum vitae (each not more than 1.000 characters long) onto this template.
• Save the completed template in PDF format (choose “Save As” and select “PDF”).
• Then go to Submit a paper clicking here : complete the form and attach the PDF submission.
• Go to “ Register to Attend ” and complete your registration to the Congress. Paper proponents enjoy a special reduced fee of €150 (this fee will be maintained even if their paper is not accepted by the Scientific Committee of the Congress).

Please note :

• The final deadline for submissions is 15 November 2022.

• Paper proposals from candidates who have not completed their registration to the Congress by 16 November 2022 will not be considered by the Scientific Committee.
• For any questions or doubts, please email us at congress@artnouveau.eu

Scientific Committee of the 4th cDf Congress

(in alphabetical order)

• Hervé Doucet, Tenured lecturer in Contemporary History of Art (1880-1930), University of Strasbourg
• Mireia Freixa, Art Historian. Emeritus professor of the University of Barcelona
• Enric Granell, Architect. Lecturer at the School of Architecture ETSAB, Polytechnic University of Catalonia
• Paul Greenhalgh, Professor in History of Art. Director of the Zaha Hadid Foundation, London
• Zsombor Jékely, Head of Collections at the Budapest Museum of Applied Arts. Lecturer in Art History, Károli Gáspár University
• Fernando Martínez Nespral, Architectural Historian, University of Buenos Aires
• Antoni Ramon, Architect. Lecturer at the School of Architecture ETSAB, Polytechnic University of Catalonia
• Marija Režec Kambič, Art Historian. Conservator at the Ljubljana ZVKDS (Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia)
• Carles Sáiz, Lecturer at the UNED Barcelona University. President of the Lluís Domènech I Montaner Studies Centre
• Teresa-Montserrat Sala, Tenured lecturer of History of Art and director of the University of Barcelona GRACMON research group. President of the Scientific Committee of the coupDefouet Congress
• Clàudia Sanmartí, Architect. Member of the Lluís Domènech i Montaner Foundation
• Marc Aureli Santos, Architect. Director of Urban Architecture and Heritage, Barcelona City Council
• Marikit Taylor, Architectural Historian, University of Geneva
• Pilar Vélez, Art Historian. Member of the Saint George Royal Catalan Academy of Beaux Arts

Organising committee

(in alphabetical order)

The organising team is composed by staff from the Barcelona City Council (Urban Landscape Institute, IMPUiQV) and the University of Barcelona (Contemporary Art History and Design Research Group, GRACMON)

• Lluís Bosch
• Anabel Emilio
• Jordi París
• Inma Pascual
• Miriam Soriano
• Sònia Turon

Fees

The Congress sessions will commence on 29 June and run until Saturday 2 July. However, as is traditional for a coupDefouet Congress, a broad range of cultural activities related to Art Nouveau will take place during the period between 25 June and 9 July. These will be free of charge for all those registered for the Congress, so we suggest that you take this into account when planning your participation.

The registration fee includes attendance at the sessions and snacks during the breaks, as well as official meals and activities organised and scheduled around the Congress. It also provides participants with access to the written versions of papers and communications, some of which will be available prior to the Congress and some afterwards.

The special early bird registration fee of €150 will only be valid until 15 November 2022, after which it will increase to €200. Art Nouveau Club members, however, can enjoy an even lower price : log in to your private club area on the website to access this discount.