The last decade has seen a clear shift in the operational frameworks for the production, dissemination and consumption of photographs in contemporary computerised societies. The representational apparatus of photography is being progressively converted into algorithmic and generative processes through computer automation, connectivity and algorithmic control.
Recent developments of AI systems and expanded technologies exponentially transform the possibilities for image making and the ways in which photographic images might be created and used within and beyond virtual space. While this might be exciting times for creators, thinkers and developers, it is also a pivotal moment in the history of photography, with debates taking place about its materiality, social function and essence. Through this conference, we aim to develop a communal discussion, inform critiques and thinking on the making of ‘virtual photography’.
Practical Information
Convenors
This conference is convened by David Bate, Professor of Photography, University of Westminster, UK, Dr Paula Gortázar, Senior Lecturer in Photography, University of Westminster, UK and The Photographers' Gallery digital programme.
Location
The conference takes place over two days across two venues: University of Westminsters' Little Titchfield Street Campus and The Photographers' Gallery. They are a short distance apart.
Ticket types
The event can be attended in person or watched online via live stream, with tickets available to purchase for both. In person tickets include lunch on both days at University of Westminster.
The ticket price is for both days.
Book here for tickets to attend in person, and book here for tickets to watch online.
By booking for this event, you agree to our Terms & Conditions.
Read the abstracts
Schedule
Day One - Morning at University of Westminster, Little Titchfield Street Campus
9.00 Registration
Registration
9.30 Introduction
Dr. Paula Gortázar and Prof. David Bate, University of Westminster
10.00 Virtuality and the Still Image
Chaired by Lucy Soutter
Peter Ainsworth and Sam Plagerson, Goldsmiths, University of London, UK
The Fractional Space of 3D Computational Images and Ruptures in Visuality
Liat Lavi, Bezalel Academy for Arts and Design, Israel
Ethical Imaginariums and Grassroots Metaphysics
Ziggy Kolker, University of Portsmouth, UK
Chasing the Trace
Panel Discussion and Q&A
11.40 Liquid Identities
Chaired by David Bate
Gemma Marmalade, University of Derby, UK
V is for Virtual: ‘Thirst Trap’ Lesbians and Masculine Performativity of TikTok Visual Content
Chu Yinhua, National Taipei University of Education, Taiwan
Beyond the Mirror: Selfie Expression in the Age of Virtual Imaging
Stephanie Hartle, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
‘To Weave the Mirror's Magic Sights’: Mimesis and Posthumanism in the Virtual Selfie
Panel Discussion and Q&A
Day One - Afternoon at The Photographers' Gallery
14.00 New Practices in Visual and Computational Art
Chaired by Jon Uriarte
Roc Herms, Visual Artist, Spain
This is Real, Man!
Juanrie Strydom, Solent University, UK
Disability as a Visual Language: Technology and Accessibility
George Legrady, University of California, USA
Creative Continuity in MidJourney and Stable Diffusion
Simone Santilli, Visual Artist, Independent Researcher and Educator, Italy
Galactic Mine. Photography and Extractivism in the Procedural Universe of No Man's Sky
Panel Discussion and Q&A
16.10 Performing Networked Archives
Chaired by Ioanna Zouli
Anshul Roy, Syracuse University, USA
Rage Against the Archive: Institutional Critique through New Media Art
Livia Foldes, Rhode Island School of Design, USA
NSFW Venus: On Classifying Bodies, from Colonial Archives to Machine Learning Datasets
Ochi Reyes, University of Westminster, UK
She Dreamt...
Panel Discussion and Q&A
17.30 Plenary Session
Plenary session followed by social drinks
Day Two - Morning at University of Westminster, Little Titchfield Street Campus
9.00 Registration
Registration
9.30 Generative Politics and Activism
Chaired by Paula Gortázar
Lee Wing Ki, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
Disobedient Imageries: Netizens and their Critical-political Practices in Hong Kong
Nina Mangalanayagam, HDK-Valand, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
Generating the Past
Megan Williams, Journalist, Creative Review, UK
Visualising Unrest in the Age of Generative AI
Basil Al-Rawi, Visual Artist, Independent Researcher and Educator, Ireland
Building a House of Memory: Expanding Iraqi Archive Photos with Oral History and VR
Panel Discussion and Q&A
11.40 The Machine as Co-Curator
Chaired by Chris Le Messurier
Nicolas Malevé, Aarhus University, Denmark
The Exhibitionary Complex of Image Generation
Nathalie Dietschy, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
Towards Techno-Worlds: Photography in the Hands of AI Systems
Catherine Troiano, V&A Museum, London
Distilling the Dataset: Ethics and Artistic Practice in Generative Image Cultures
Panel Discussion and Q&A
Day Two - Afternoon at The Photographers' Gallery
14.00 Rebel Environmental Practices
Chaired by Roshini Kempadoo
Catherine M. Weir, Glasgow School of Art, UK
Frankenstein’s Camera: Reflections on Practice Between Photography and AI
Benjamin Mehigan, Royal College of Art, UK
Light Without Heat: The Virtual Reproduction of Wildfire
Adam Brown, London South Bank University, UK
Images in Advance of the State: Photorealistic Architectures after the Blockchain.
Panel Discussion and Q&A
15.40 Expanded Vision and Hyperspace
Chaired by Arieh Frosh
Alison Bennett, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
The Desire of a Third Dimension in Photography
Jack Lander, Visual Artist, UK
Indexical Encroachment in Semi-Synthetic Landscapes
Giles Price, Visual Artist, UK
Remote Documentary: What is it to Document Virtually?
Panel Discussion and Q&A
17.00 Closing Remarks
Closing Remarks
