LECTURES

A discussion between Andrew Irving (Granada Centre for Visual Anthropology) and Christopher Wright (Goldsmiths) | Wednesday May 8th, 2019 | 15.00-18.00 Lecture Hall, DESKoi Building, Panteion | Coordination: Eleana Yalouri

Beyond Text?

The question mark in the title - Beyond Text? - is intended to present a challenge. There is an increasing emphasis on the 'multimodal' in anthropology - the use of multiple media forms to expand the range of things anthropologists make. But alongside this call to creatively explore modes of experimental representation - in moving beyond the written word - we need to stay mindful of how ‘voice’ is also politically and ethically articulated or positioned. The possibility of using combinations of images, objects, and sounds to think with anthropologically, as well as for ethnographic representation, suggests new ways of doing anthropological research, as well as formats for presenting the outcomes. The multimodal is about expanding the forms which visual anthropology takes—embracing different media and media platforms—but also shifting the ways in which anthropology is carried out. New kinds of inventive engagement and collaboration are required alongside formal aesthetic experimentation. Andrew Irving and Christopher Wright will discuss this challenge drawing on a range of contemporary examples, from anthropology to filmmaking and art.