The 2022 International Visual Sociology Association (IVSA) conference was held online via GatherTown, a virtual platform that encourages social interaction and networking. Our theme in 2022 was “Expanding the Visual Field: New Developments in Visual Scholarship, Arts, and Activism”. This innovative format allowed for a productive and energizing virtual meeting space, providing a welcome break from conventional video conferencing tools.
Keynote Speakers:
- Tania Rossetto: Discussed mobilizing cartographic visuals across media.
- Crystal Abidin: Explored grey visibility and shadow practices on social media.
- Ace Lehner: Presented on decolonizing visual theory in contemporary photography.
Sessions and Panels:
- The conference featured a variety of thematic panel discussions on topics such as visual politics, mental health, gender and sexuality, visual ethics, and urban landscapes.
- Workshops included “How to Get Published” and a special session on ethnographic filmmaking by Greg Scott and Molly Merryman.
- Parallel sessions covered new methodological innovations, visualizing health and illness, social media and technology, and more.
Virtual Exhibition and Film Stream:
- The Visual Studies Exhibition titled “What is an Image?” showcased diverse artistic interpretations.
- A dedicated film stream featured works such as “This is My Face: What Lies Inside a Journey with HIV” and “Esperanza: Hope for Our Cities.”
The 2022 IVSA conference successfully expanded the visual field by exploring innovative developments in visual scholarship, arts, and activism, fostering a dynamic and inclusive online community.
