[Commlist] cfp: Apparatus: The Role of Technology in Illustration

Call for Conference papers and contributions

Apparatus: The Role of Technology in Illustration

15th International Illustration Research Symposium

21–22 November 2025, Koç University, Istanbul

Machines, appliances, gizmos, and contraptions have always been a part 
of illustration, enabling illustrators to transform their thoughts into 
real-life forms. The machine’s abilities, aesthetics, and impacts on 
humanity have always been a source of inspiration and concern. With the 
discussion raging around artificial intelligence as a game-changing 
technology, and when computers seem to inextricably serve as parts of 
creation and of our lives, perhaps it is time to take stock and consider 
the long-established but fluctuating relationship between illustration 
and the machine.

 From the industrial printing press (once considered the most advanced 
and disruptive technology) to a symbol of artisanal craftsmanship, from 
the camera obscura to smartphones—within illustration, machines are not 
only an integral part of the process of creation but also, within 
reproduction and distribution, they have a defining role in actualising 
and professionalising the illustrator’s work. Throughout time, analogue 
and multimedia devices have offered new image–text relationships, 
bringing new modalities to illustration such as movement, touch and 
sound. The digital has offered data visualisation, calculated 
modulation; and access to nano and macro worlds, expanding the 
illustrator’s visual language and scope. Self-made contraptions, and 
emergent technologies such as digital lenses and wearables open new 
avenues for innovative visual experiences. Illustrators, by applying 
their creative visual knowledge and participating in the innovation of 
scientific tools, have expanded the possibilities of machines. The long 
history of illustrating machines not only shows the art of technical 
drawing, but also our aesthetic fascination with them.

On the other hand, the technological drive towards progress has also 
created wasteful obsolescence and loss of knowledge and traditions. The 
potential for overtaking human creation, alongside the restricting 
impact of machine technology, should not be overlooked, especially when 
considered in relation to the authority held by creative-technology 
developers. Who controls who, the illustrator or the apparatus, 
particularly in this era of boundless growth of new technologies? The 
often-celebrated handmade quality, aura of authenticity and personal 
“voice” contribute to a distinctly humanizing presence in illustration. 
Subconsciously, or perhaps consciously, this evokes a desire for the 
/absence/ of the machine. Ironically, the very machines that 
illustrative practices have oftentimes resisted can now come close to 
replicating this human-like quality artificially.

For the 15th International Illustration Research Symposium on Apparatus 
& Illustration, we invite papers and posters that demonstrate, expand 
upon, and discuss the question: As the terrain of the apparatus expands, 
how does illustration define its relationship with the machine? How have 
machines and their technologies empowered or undermined the illustrator? 
How have machines enabled, defined or restricted new and exploratory 
creative processes and ways of thinking, in the past, present and 
future? Can a machine actually make illustrations? What can we take away 
from machine-made illustrations? Can a machine be an illustration? Can 
illustration be a machine?

Possible topics in relation to the questions may include:

Devices, gears, machines, technologies, contraptions and gizmos
Illustration machines
Machines as illustration

Emerging technologies and tools
Perception through machines
Machine eyes

Craft and craftsmanship
Machine-aided illustration
Current and historical technical illustration practices
Representation of machines
Use of creativity in scientific visualisation practices
Culturally located creative practices
Global cultures and practices

Machines, creativity and ethics
Machine and creative ownership
Machine learning and artificial intelligence
The role and power of the machine
Impact of machine usage

Call for Papers and Posters

The call for papers and poster proposals is now open: please submit your 
interest by 23 March 2025.

All submissions should be in .pdf format and emailed to: 
(ialaca /at/ ku.edu.tr) (subject line: 15th International Research Symposium)

To submit a paper proposal, include:

• Working paper title

• A 300-word written proposal detailing how the paper relates to the 
symposium themes

• 3 images maximum

• 100-word biography and affiliation

To submit a poster proposal, include:

• Working poster title

• 150-word written proposal detailing how the visual work relates to the 
symposium themes

• 5 images maximum (from your own practice and/or research)

• 100-word biography and affiliation

Posters will be exhibited alongside the symposium. Posters can be fully 
illustrational. Format specifications and practicalities for poster 
printing and display will be shared after the submission deadline has 
passed.

We welcome proposals for presentation and exhibition of portable 
machines, or visual representations of machines such as illustration 
artwork, photographic or moving images. You can also submit works that 
challenge the traditional understanding of tools and machines within 
illustration-focused projects.  Do note that the possibility for 
exhibition of physical machines is restricted and the costs of transport 
and installation cannot be covered. Feel free to contact us for more 
details.

Convenors:

Ilgım Veryeri Alaca, Koç University, Türkiye

Nanette Hoogslag, Cambridge School of Art, Anglia Ruskin University, UK

Dilek Yördem, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Türkiye

For more information please contact (ialaca /at/ ku.edu.tr) (subject line: 15th 
International Research Symposium)

Weblink: 
https://kuarc.ku.edu.tr/research-symposium/#tab_html_018c25bd921c84b522c970ddddd5ae00

---------------
The COMMLIST
---------------
This mailing list is a free service offered by Nico Carpentier. Please use it responsibly and wisely.
--
To subscribe or unsubscribe, please visit http://commlist.org/
--
Before sending a posting request, please always read the guidelines at http://commlist.org/
--
To contact the mailing list manager:
Email: (nico.carpentier /at/ commlist.org)
URL: http://nicocarpentier.net
---------------