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.