[ecrea] cfp: beyond representation; Photography, Humans & computers

Call for Papers

Beyond Representation:
Photography, Humans & Computers

24---25 May 2012
Centre for Media & Culture Research, London South Bank University
in association with the journal Philosophy of Photography

There is a pressing need to reframe photographic theory to account for 
the radical reorientation of image production brought about by computer 
networks.  In a world where air-conditioned server-farms create the real 
landscape, and where reality is augmented on screens, what do these 
organizational systems tell us about the ways images operate in network 
ecologies? As images circulate in the network, acquiring new contexts at 
each instance, how are we to approach the ontologies of the digital image?

Beyond Representation considers the current fate of photography in 
digital culture and aims to advance our understanding of the 
contemporary state-of-play through a call for transdisciplinary 
contributions that will help to reconsider approaches to photography 
within networked cultures.

The conference considers whether there is a need to rethink spatiality 
and temporality in light of new strategies for mediating the world 
through photography.  Furthermore it asks whether  there is a need to 
examine the paradigm of representation in the face of digital code and 
computer metadata.  We are calling for new speculations, theory, 
analysis and provocations to help reframe photographic theory and our 
understandings of the utility, temporality and circulation of digital 
images.

This conference aims to locate new ways of interrogating the 
relationship of theory and technology. It makes an open call for 
contributions that enlarge our understanding of photography and address 
the question of the materiality of the online image. Cutting across 
disciplinary borders, we welcome papers from scholars, researchers, 
research students, academics, practitioners and curators working in any 
of the areas below. The organizers are keen to encourage 
transdisciplinary approaches and welcome abstracts from unexpected 
places of enquiry.

The conference seeks to establish transdisciplinary connections between 
photography and the following fields of study: Geography, Law, 
Economics, Criminology, Performance Studies, Cultural Studies, Visual 
Culture, Image Studies, Sonic/Aural Culture, Philosophy, Computer 
Science, Science and Technology Studies, Software Studies, Art History, 
History of Media, Media Archaeology, Post-colonial Studies, Literary 
Studies, Anthropology.

Themes and topics that might be addressed include, but are not limited to:

· Connections between philosophy, critical theory and photography
· Research methodologies for post-digital image
· Digital photography and curatorial practices
· Tagging and metadata
· Synthetic imaging
· Ethics and politics of the digital image
· Viral images and memes
· Photography and data mining
· Image capitalism
· Photography and interface culture
· Non-representational image theory
· The public life of the image

All papers will be considered for publication.

Keynote Speaker: Ariella Azoulay

Extended Deadline for abstracts:31 December 2012

Individual papers: 500 word abstract.

Panel proposals: 500 word abstract of the panel's theme with details of 
the panel's chair and possible contributors.

Please send abstracts to Daniel Rubinstein ((Daniel.Rubinstein /at/ lsbu.ac.uk)).
Blog: http://beyondrepresentation.wordpress.com/

Registration

Full Conference
Early Bird Rate: £150/£75 concessions
Standard Rate: £200/£100 concessions

Single Day
Early Bird Rate: £80/£35 concessions
Standard Rate: £120/£55 concessions

The Early Bird Rate will be available from 1 February 2012, when 
registration opens, until 31 March 2012, after which the standard rates 
apply.