SYNCRETISM

This issue explores syncretism – the collision or reconciliation of disparate beliefs, systems of thought and forms of expression. Syncretism has been understood as the acceptance of foreign or unfamiliar practice and in Diderot’s thought, the harmony of eclectic sources. More recently it has become associated with Candomble, Santeria and Vodou, which reflect the myriad of African, Amerindian, European and North American cultures from which they emerged. Here, ostensible incorporation allowed for covert resistance and a rich process of mélange, in which associations between symbols, icons, and a variety of techniques and media are assembled.

The fifth issue of Drain queries whether syncretism is an appropriate term for the constructive interaction between different cultures. Additionally, it questions whether syncretism maybe used to describe the fluid transference of the sacred and secular in contemporary art. Finally, may syncretism be considered a disjunctive and open form of cultural production, as applicable to Candomble as it is to multi-media installation and open source works on the web?

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Drain is a refereed on-line journal published biannually. The journal seeks to promote lively and well-informed debate around theory and praxis. Each issue of Drain will have a specific concept that it explores. We are especially keen to publish pieces that connect the conceptual framework of each issue to themes such as globalization, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, capitalism and new technologies, as well as ethical and aesthetic concerns. As such, we welcome creative responses to contemporary culture, as well as written work by practitioners in the field of culture. Our primary mission is to provide an environment where a variety of creative activities can be explored with a combination of sensitivity and rigor. Managerial board: Avantika Bawa Celina Jeffery Adrian Parr Editors: Celina Jeffery Greg Minissale Adrian Parr Advisory Editors: Nikos Papastergiadis Anthony Shelton Simon O 'Sullivan Art Editors: Avantika Bawa Michelle Barczak Interns: Erin Dziedzic Brantley Johnson ...

Roy Ascott Ted Hiebert Timothy Allen Jackson Catalina Lozano-Moreno Simon O'Sullivan

Hattie Gordon Paolo Plotegher Candice Ward

James Coupe Craig Drennen Erin Dziedzic David Jeffreys Nancy MacGregor

Meggan Gould Christian Simmons Susan Krause Allsopp & Weir Craig Drennen Nicole Antebi Shelli Lane & Kevin Phillips Roberto Lange Dasa Bausova