Call for Papers

Durham University and Durham Light Infantry Museum and Art Gallery, UK

31 July to 1 August 2014

The intersection of photography and war encompasses a broad and complex field. Yet conceptually, “war photography” is often restricted to the activities of photojournalists producing aesthetically compelling images used to humanitarian ends. Scholars have primarily focused on issues of veracity, iconicity, memory, affect and ethics. Insightful though this work is, we lack crucial information and critical reflection on fundamental questions regarding how commercial, tactical and personal factors have shaped the diverse terrain of images arising from all contexts of armed conflict.

The aim of this conference is to examine war photography in this expanded sense—that is, as the result of a nexus of pragmatic and strategic transactions and interactions concerning business, militarism and consumption.

We seek papers that address the ways in which issues of supply and demand have shaped the field of war photography, and how this field has articulated with other forms of industrialised and commercial activity. We invite scholars in a range of disciplines to reflect upon the relevance to war photography of commerce, industry, the military and marketing, as well as the role of workers, publishers, politicians, strategists, purchasers and consumers. Together, we endeavour to develop alternative methodological frameworks for approaching images of armed conflict, and to shift and expand thinking on the concept of war photography.

A range of historical periods, geographical regions and modes of conflict is encouraged. Participants are invited to propose 20-minute papers on topics related to the theme The Business of War Photography, including but not limited to the following:

The photographic companies,      entrepreneurs and workers serving markets created as a result of war

The requirements of military      agencies and their involvement in photographic innovation through funding      the development of military imaging technology

The role of the state in      commissioning, shaping and circulating photographic images, and their      relationship with foreign and domestic policy and military strategy

The marketing of photographic      products and services to servicemen/women and civilians during wartime

The production and consumption      of photographic merchandise (e.g. souvenirs, postcards)

The publication and      dissemination of war images in the media, and the role of consumers,      editors and advertisers in shaping content

The market for art photography      deploying military imaging techniques or which critiques the role of      photography in modern armed conflict

Submission details

We invite proposals of 300 words with a brief biographical note or 1-page CV by 1 March 2014. Applicants will be notified by Friday 14 March. Drafts of papers are due for circulation with co-panellists and chairs by Friday 27 June 2014.

It is envisaged that a selection of papers from the conference will be developed for publication as a special issue of a peer-reviewed journal. The conference organisers are currently discussing this possibility with the Editorial Board of the Journal of War & Culture Studies. Although this will not preclude selection to present at the conference, please state if your proposal has been previously published in any form.

Information for delegates and speakers

Details of delegate fees, venues, and accommodation will be announced by 28 February 2014. Please note that we are unfortunately unable to meet participants’ and speakers’ costs. A limited number of delegate places will be offered to postgraduate attendees at concessionary rates.

Contact

Please submit proposals and enquiries to bwp.2014@durham.ac.uk.