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Creative conference to celebrate work of acclaimed author

Artists, writers and researchers are coming together to celebrate the work of one of the 20th century’s most experimental authors.

French author Georges Perec is famous for his playful and experimental approach to writing - his most celebrated novel was written entirely without the letter ‘e’. Species of Spaces: Transdisciplinary Approaches to the Work of Georges Perec, is an international conference which will take place at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ on 28 March 2014.

Speakers include Canadian sound poet Christian Bök, Kate Briggs, American University, Paris and Victoria Hunter, University of Chichester. Specially commissioned choreography inspired by the work of Georges Perec will be performed by Rebecca Camilleri and Nicola Rayworth.

The conference, sponsored by the Modern Humanities Research Association (MHRA), is a collaboration between researchers in English, Dance, Design and Fine Art in º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Institute of Design, Culture and the Arts.

Rachel Carroll, Principal Lecturer in English, said: ‘This is a really exciting event – Perec has been a creative inspiration to so many and this is a unique opportunity to explore his legacy.’

Simon Morris, Senior Lecturer in Fine Art, added: ‘Georges Perec suffered from writer’s block and only by using a self-imposed literary constraint was he able to liberate his imagination. His use of constraints as a creative tool provides artists with a means to overcome the terror of the freshly primed white canvas.’

Georges Perec’s collection of essays, Species of Spaces, has inspired new creative work from º£½ÇÖ±²¥ students, ranging from graphic design to dance performances.

Heike Salzer, Senior Lecturer in Dance, said: ‘It is fascinating how Perec’s work has inspired a transdisciplinary collaboration. Students and staff have been able to look beyond their own areas and enjoy entering the unknown spaces.’

Professor Gerda Roper, Dean of the School of Arts & Media and Director of the Institute of Design, Culture and the Arts, said: 'Creativity is at the heart of our research – I am delighted that we are able to host such an original and thought-provoking event.’

To find out more about the Species of Spaces conference, or to book a place, email Perec2014@tees.ac.uk.

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