The “New Art” module of the international academic conference “Art Readings 2026,” held at the Institute of Art Studies of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences from April 23 to 25, ended. Young and established scholars from Bulgaria and abroad presented their research in the fields of cinema, theater, music, and visual arts focusing on various aspects of this year’s theme, “Chronos and Topos.”
The forum’s rich program was structured into 14 thematic panels which also included scholarly interpretations related to photography, animation, social media, dance, artificial intelligence, fashion, and architecture. In the presentations and accompanying discussions, time was examined as linear, spiral, and cyclical; mythological, cosmological, and historical, while the concept of topos was interpreted both in its meaning as a specific space (sacred or secular, real or imaginary) and in the sense of a concrete theme.
Particular emphasis was placed on kairos – the decisive moment in the various arts – and the concept of “chronotope” as a unique interplay of time and space. As in previous editions, one of the most valuable contributions of this year’s conference was the exchange of ideas during the discussions at the end of each session as well as the opportunity to share literature, professional experience, and useful institutional contacts. A thematic collection of the papers presented is forthcoming.
The “Art Readings 2026. Chronos and Topos” international academic forum was made possible thanks to the financial support of the Bulgarian National Science Fund. The conference was held in partnership with the National Gallery.
