The Holberg Prize 2004 was awarded to the Bulgarian-French psychoanalyst and philosopher Julia Kristeva.
The Holberg Committee Citation
Julia Kristeva’s innovative explorations of questions on the intersection of language, culture and literature have inspired research across the humanities and the social sciences throughout the world and have also had a significant impact on feminist theory. In her path breaking book La Révolution du langage poétique (1974; Revolution in Poetic Language, 1985) Julia Kristeva first advanced the theory that the process of signification in language is constituted by two different but interacting elements, the symbolic and the semiotic, thus bringing the living body back into language. Her trilogy Pouvoirs de l’horreur (1980; Powers of Horror, 1982), Histoires d’amour (1983; Tales of Love, 1987), and Soleil noir (1987; Black Sun, 1989) offers original and powerful theories of abjection, love and depression. In Étrangersà nous-mêmes (1988; Strangers to Ourselves, 1991) her psychoanalytic approach provides crucial insights into the problems of migration, exile and otherness. Julia Kristeva has published more than 20 books and continues to be remarkably productive. Recently she has been particularly interested in the lives of women writers and intellectuals.”
In her Holberg Lecture “Thinking about liberty in dark times“, Julia Kristeva offers us for discussion a rich array of themes and these themes reflect the innovative and cross-disciplinary nature of the extraordinary body of research she has produced over the last four decades.
The 2004 Holberg Prize
Paris Diderot University
France
Biography
Julia Kristeva (f. 1941) is currently director of the Sciences des textes et documents Department at the University of Paris 7 (Jussieu), and is also a practising psychoanalyst.
Lecture by the Laureate
Links
Related Content
Holberg Committee Meeting and Embassy Event Held in Paris
The Holberg Committee convened in Paris recently to submit its recommendation for the 2017 Laureate, and Julia Kristeva held a talk at the Royal Norwegian Embassy.
The 2014 Anniversary Lectures: Julia Kristeva: ‘New Forms of Revolt’
What is revolt, and how does it set its mark on society? How does it feel? Could ‘revolt’, called ‘riot’…
Julia Kristeva appointed the highest order in France
The French President François Hollande appointed Julia Kristeva to Commander of the French Legion of Honour ("commandeur de la Légion d’honneur) 21st December 2014.
Julia Kristeva’s acceptance speech
Julia Kristeva was awarded the 2004 Holberg Prize. Her acceptance speech from the state banquet on 3 December 2004 is published here in full.
The 2004 Holberg Lecture by Julia Kristeva
The lecture "Thinking about liberty in dark times” was presented by the 2004 Holberg Laureate, Julia Kristeva, at the Holberg Symposium, 2 December 2004.
The 2004 Holberg Symposium: “Thinking About Liberty in Dark Times”
The Holberg Symposium was held in honour of Julia Kristeva, the Holberg Laureate 2004, on 2 December in Bergen.