Conference announcement |
The Department of Art History at Rice University is pleased to announce the 2026 Graduate Art History Conference:
Materiality and the Making of Art: An Interdisciplinary Graduate Conference. This two-day interdisciplinary event will bring together graduate students from a wide range of backgrounds and areas of expertise to explore the role of materials and processes in the creation of visual culture. Inspired by Prof. Pamela H. Smith’s groundbreaking work to re-center materials and craft knowledge in humanistic inquiry, the conference seeks to foster dialogue across disciplines such as art history, archaeology, anthropology, history of science, chemistry, physics, biology, contemporary art practices, and art conservation. By encouraging participants to think critically about how objects are made, how knowledge is embedded in materials, and how making shapes meaning, the conference highlights the intersections between technical practice and cultural context. In doing so, it aims not only to broaden understandings of materiality in the past and present but also to provide a platform where emerging scholars can share innovative approaches that bridge the humanities, sciences, and studio practices. The conference will showcase an interdisciplinary range of papers spanning diverse geographical regions and historical periods. Instead of focusing on a single time or place, the event emphasizes the breadth of methods and theoretical perspectives that scholars bring to the study of materials and making. In doing so, it seeks to inspire young researchers, both U.S.-based and international, to experiment with approaches from other fields in their future projects and to build lasting interdisciplinary connections. The program will feature:
The conference will take place on February 13 & 14, 2026, at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Attendance will be free to all who register. If you want to stay updated on these and other developments concerning the conference, such as registration, final programming or possible travel bursaries, sign up for the mailing list. Please note that the conference will be held in person only, and the language of all presentations and communications will be English. We look forward to welcoming participants and audiences from across the humanities, sciences, and beyond to join us in exploring the intersections of materiality, technique, and meaning in the making of art. For any questions or comments regarding this conference, please email: [email protected] |
