The Italian Graduate Society (IGS) serves the scholarly community within and beyond Rutgers, by offering the opportunity to learn about, share, and engage with ideas, topics and research from the perspective of Italian literature and culture.
pdf Masks Conference IGS Rutgers
Italian Graduate Society of Rutgers University Conference on Italian Studies Masks
Masks have played a significant role in Italian cultural expressions throughout history.
From the ancient Roman theater to the elaborate masquerades of the Renaissance,
masks have served as powerful symbols, transforming identities and challenging
established norms. The theme of masks provides an exciting opportunity to delve into a
multitude of topics related to Italian Studies.
With this in mind, the Italian Graduate Society of Rutgers University is pleased to
announce the Conference on Italian Studies, which will be held November 17 & 18, 2023
at Rutgers University. The conference aims to explore the multifaceted theme of
"Masks" within the context of Italian culture, literature, art, history, and society. We
invite scholars, researchers, and professionals from various disciplines to submit their
original research and contribute to a vibrant exchange of ideas. We encourage
contributors to explore the following areas, but are not limited to:
Masks in Italian Literature and Theatre:
● Representations of masks in Italian literary works.
● Pseudonyms and false identities in Italian literature.
● Symbolism and metaphor of masks in Italian drama and poetry.
Masked Identities in Italian Art and Cinema:
● Depictions of masks in Italian visual arts, including painting and sculpture.
● The significance of masks in Italian art.
● Masks as tools for self-expression and disguise in contemporary Italian art.
Masks and Cultural Traditions:
● The role of masks in Italian folk traditions and festivities.
● Rituals and ceremonies involving masks in different regions of Italy.
● The preservation and evolution of mask-related customs in modern Italian
society.
Masks and Politics:
● The use of masks as political statements in Italian history.
● The relationship between masks and political power in Italian society.
● Contemporary political movements and the symbolism of masks in Italy.
Masks and Gender:
● Masks and the construction of gender identities in Italian culture.
● Concealed identities in relation to female/male roles in Italian literature.
● Exploring gender fluidity and queer identities.
We welcome proposals for individual papers, panel discussions, workshops, and
creative presentations. Submissions should include an abstract of no more than 200
words, a brief biography, and contact information.
Important Dates:
Abstract submission deadline: September 25, 2023
Notification of acceptance: October 9, 2023
Conference dates: November 17 & 18, 2023
Please submit your proposals via email to
For further information, please visit our conference website. Feel free to contact us for any
inquiries.
Sincerely,
Italian Graduate Society, Rutgers University Department of Italian
Website: https://sites.rutgers.edu/italian-grad-society/
La Fusta Website: https://la-fusta.blogs.rutgers.edu/
Email:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Italian-Graduate-Society-at-Rutgers-University
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italiangraduatesociety/
