Fourteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

The concepts of “East” and “West” have meant always more than just geographical locations. It is being argued that these concepts still continue to have same meanings in the debate over Edward Said’s book Orientalism. Throughout the history, a negative East image and positive West image have been made up from the culture to the philology, from the painting to fine arts. When we are talking about art, the concepts such as “east”, “west”, “center” or “periphery” are controversial meanings. The term of Orientalism has gained a new meaning called self-orientalization of Eastern Societies. In order to evaluate the international art organizations from this point of view is important to understand clearly contemporary art. The international exhibitions/expositions which had been organized in some capitals such as London and Paris since 19th century could be turn to a show of force for all countries in industrial matter. Nowadays, international exhibitions, cultural festivals and biennials which are organized by the sponsorship of private international firms in Europe and the United States, can be a national cultural demonstration of the third world countries. These exhibitions which are organized by this country’s “good image” concerns can be the presentation of what West does want to see in some kind of supply/demand relation. With this study, we are going to scrutinize contemporary art works and exhibitions that are organized with some kind of self-orientalists perception and discuss culture policy.