Why Kathy Acker Now? (American Literature Association, San Francisco, May 24-27, 2018)

deadline for submissions: 
January 28, 2018
full name / name of organization: 
American Literature Association

With the recent publication of the first biography of Kathy Acker by Chris Kraus, an anniversary edition of Blood and Guts in High School, a short volume of correspondence, and at least two scholarly monographs, there would appear to be a critical revival of Kathy Acker in the making.  But with the “death” of postmodernism and its waning influence on recent studies of literary history, does Acker’s work—often considered a quintessential example of experimental pomo—still demand to be read?  If so, why?  How does Acker’s work move beyond its “postmodernism” and matter for readers today?  Papers considering these questions, as well as those exploring the recent Acker revival and/or influence on the San Francisco literary scene are welcome.  Abstracts of no more than 250 words and a brief bio due by January 29th.  Send to: ralphclare@boisestate.edu