Despite the increasing degree of digitization, many parts of the industrial chain cannot be automated. The result is a new division of labor, with the convenience of online services on one hand, and the exploitation of physical work on the other. In many cases there are direct relations to the speed and growth of image production. Human agents are still needed e.g. for censoring violent Internet content as long as pattern recognition tools are not yet reliable. In social sectors as well, images have been taking command. In medicine, military, or sports people are being forced into new patterns of behavior. Interactive and augmented media require special training and adaptation, especially in professional contexts.

While the invisibility of processes behind blockchain technology or artificial intelligence applications increases the dependence on what remains visible, homes are wired to the Internet, and children grow up in the presence of cameras. Computer-generated personae become teenage role models, while state of the art and easy to use apps lure users into virtualizing selfies/selves with just a few clicks. Image Servitude seeks to pin down such new forms of visual dependency. Considering the field of picture theory and visual culture studies, the conference strives to map new terrains, and to translate the results into recommendations for a timely research and teaching.

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THURSDAY, NOV 21, 2019
5.30 pm – 8 pm

5.30 pm
Welcome
Matthias Bruhn, HfG Karlsruhe

6 pm
Melissa Gronlund, Abu Dhabi
Evening Lecture

7.30 pm
Reception

8 pm
Dinner (Löwenbräukeller)

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FRIDAY, NOV 22, 2019
10 am – 7 pm

10 am
Introduction
Matthias Bruhn, HfG Karlsruhe

10.15 am
ADAPTIVE IMAGING
Kathrin Friedrich, Potsdam University
Moritz Queisner, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin

11.30 am
PRODUCTIVE NARCISSISM
Barbara Kuon, HfG Karlsruhe

1 pm
Lunch Break

3 pm
Introduction
Barbara Kuon, HfG Karlsruhe

3.15 pm
KEEPING UP WITH AI
Fabian Offert, UC Santa Barbara

4 pm
Coffee Break

4.30 pm
DIGITAL OBJECTS
Carolin Höfler, TH Köln
Katharina Weinstock, HfG Karlsruhe

5.30 pm
Coffee Break

6 pm
VIDEO SCREENINGS
Works by Omer Fast and Susan Schuppli

7.30 pm
Dinner (Taumi)

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SATURDAY, NOV 23, 2019
10 am – 3 pm
Future Formats of Visual Research? A roundtable discussion

With Matthias Bruhn, Kathrin Friedrich, Melissa Gronlund, Inge Hinterwaldner, Carolin Höfler, Barbara Kuon, Roland Meyer, Fabian Offert, Moritz Queisner, Lioudmila Voropai, Katharina Weinstock

10 am
Introductory remarks
Matthias Bruhn, HfG Karlsruhe

10.15 am
Key Note
Inge Hinterwaldner, KIT Karlsruhe

11.00 am
Part I: Discussion of presentations

12.30 pm
Lunch Break

1.30 pm – 3 pm
Part II: Recommendations