"Image Deluge & Globalization", Hackathon and international conference 17 - 21.06.2024

The fields of visual studies, cultural history, and art history have encountered considerable challenges in addressing the plurality of images. These disciplines typically favour a singular outlook on images, neglecting the sheer deluge of visual representations that characterize the modern media landscape. 

Nevertheless, the constant flood of images has been part of our daily lives since the introduction of mass reproduction techniques, evolving alongside the gradual development of engraving, illustrated print, advertisement, cinema, television, video games, and now digital media. Observers of these consecutive stages of mass visual communication and consumption have consistently linked this phenomenon with the broader concept of globalization, often raising concerns about cultural homogenization, and loss of identity. 

This conference aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of image globalization, representing the wide range of subjects and methodologies used in the domain.

Keynote Speakers:

Prof. Larissa Buchholz, Northwestern School of Communication

Prof. Emmanuel Alloa, Université de Fribourg

Hon. Prof. Arjun Appadurai, NYU Steinhardt  

Conclusive Roundtable: Prof. Ludovic Tournès, Université de Genève

Links to the Program & the Book of Abstracts