Theme: Deciphering the Object

Izmir University of Economics, Faculty of Fine Arts and Design

Keynote Speaker
Victor Margolin, University of Illinois, Chicago

Designed objects acquire meaning through language and their mode of symbolization is rooted in psychic, social and cultural realms. Beyond fulfilling particular functions, they are objects of signification within specific historical practices of representation. Hence, the same object can be interpreted differently in different spatial and temporal contexts depending on the constitution of social classes and political choices, and the specificity of educational and technological circumstances. Since the publication of John Berger's Ways of Seeing, critical theories have acknowledged that interpretations of objects are inescapably rooted in a range of conservative or progressive political positions.

The fifth meeting of 4T aims to explore object/context relationships and ways of seeing objects in the history of design in Turkey.

The following themes suggest the range of topics that may be covered.

Objects whose social meaning have changed in the history of design in Turkey

The meaning of objects belonging to a variety of design fields have transformed in time or in different but co-existing contexts. The history of blue-jeans and different meanings acquired by McDonalds in different cultures are among the best known international examples. The early social image of the Anadol car and its new status based on the discussions that have followed the screening of Devrim Arabalarý provide excellent sources of inspiration for potential topics to be addressed in the conference.

The aim of the 4T meeting is to discuss the mechanisms of changes and slippages in the interpretation of designed objects in Turkey and how these changes can be critically theorized.

Objects whose context have changed in the history of design in Turkey

The same object can acquire different functions in different contexts: Duchamp's urinal that is exhibited as an art piece in a museum, Gaetano Pesce's chairs that are relocated from the realm of art to design, and Michael Marriot's hangers made of wooden spoons are among the best known examples. Hüseyin Çaðlayan's table turned into clothing, Ela Cindoruk's jewellery made out of lace and Erdem Akan's luggage looking seat can be counted among native examples within this category.

Papers that address this theme will focus on specific examples and explore various modes and effects of estrangement from the viewpoint of design history and design disciplines in Turkey.

Objects that have disappeared in the history of design in Turkey

Many designed objects fall out of circulation due to technological, social and cultural transformations. The Aladdin Stove, the GirGir cleaner, gas stove, white-collar school uniform and men&'s handbags are among the most striking examples in Turkey. Similar examples can be found in the culture of toys and games. Such objects as the hoola-hoop, tak tak and çelik çomak, which seem to have fulfilled their life cycle, can be analyzed considering their changing historical contexts.

Such notions as life-cycle, nostalgia and disappearance can provide the theoretical framework to address specific examples under this theme.

Call for Papers
Those who are interested in contributing to the fifth 4T seminar with a paper are invited to send a title and an abstract of 250-300 words (in English and Turkish) by February 15, 2010 to gstf-t4@ieu.edu.tr. Selected proposals will be announced on March 1, 2010.

Conference Fees
The conference fee of 100 YTL covers lunch, tea and coffee services throughout the event, the conference dinner (May 13), the closing reception (May 14) and a copy of the proceedings to be published after the conference.

ORGANIZERS
Prof. Dr. Tevfik Balcýoðlu
Prof. Dr. Gülsüm Baydar
Dilek Himam
Gülden Canol