Desire, Imagination & Dream: Angela Carter in Portugal

Desire, Imagination & Dream: Angela Carter in Portugal

27 – 29 June 2024, University of Lisbon

This international conference, under the Angela Carter Society, explores the intricate relationships between art, politics, place, and sexuality in Angela Carter’s writings. Inspired by Carter’s 1977 visit to Portugal, documented in her essays for New Society, the conference will delve into her experiences in Caldas da Rainha during the 4^th international Meeting of Art.

The 1970s were pivotal for Carter, marked by prolific output and personal transformations, including her move to Japan. Her work from this period reflects her exploration of subjectivity, artistic creation, and political ideologies.

Portugal’s recent history, with democracy restored just three years before Carter’s visit, provides a rich backdrop and her essays depict Portugal’s political tensions, capturing the stark contrast between avant-garde art and local hardships.

The conference invites discussions on Carter’s intersection of art, sexuality, politics, and place, aligning with Portugal’s 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution. Highlights include an Angela Carter-inspired meal and a trip to Caldas da Rainha, offering a chance to connect her work with Portugal’s history and to reflect on the broader implications of her literary contributions.

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