Beyond Frontiers. Images of otherness in graphic and ephemeral culture from the invention of printing to the present day.
International Conference

University of Macerata, Italy, April 3 and 4, 2025

The construction of otherness is an issue that has been occupying much of the research in multiple disciplines in recent years. That is why, with this call, we try to approach it from points of view that have been less addressed by historiography. On the one hand, we are interested in reflecting on otherness as a border concept, on how it is represented and conceived, from the visual, literary and intermedial points of view but also in a broad disciplinary sense, in order to respond to new research questions.
On the other hand, the conference will try to discuss specific cases focused on graphic work and ephemeral culture -as frontier fields of study- with a diachronic vision, since the chronological scope in which we move includes from the invention of the printing press to the 21st century. This analysis aims to diachronically study the production and dissemination of border images and the transfer of models from one territory to another, as well as their perception and social impact.

In summary, communication proposals should address some of the following topics:

- Disciplinary boundaries and otherness;
- Visual and literary representations of the frontier;
- Life on the frontier and its description in textual and graphic sources;
- Images of otherness in the press and other "mass culture" media;
- Ephemeral manifestations of otherness and their social impact;
- Exchanges and intersections between media, formats and materials;
- Illustrated book.

The congress will be held in person at the Università di Macerata on April 3 and 4, 2025. Remote participation will be allowed for those residing outside the European continent. Abstracts of up to 200 words, including a short bio-bibliographic record, will be accepted until January 10th , 2025. The languages accepted will be Italian, Spanish and English. Acceptance of proposals will be communicated by January 20th 2025. The organizers will not cover travel and accommodation expenses. Registration will be free and can be done online, mainly for those who have to travel long distances.

Proposals must be sent to the following address:
giornate.frontiere.maceratagmail.com

Online registrations can be made through a link that will be sent along with the acceptance message.

Scientific Organizing Committee: Giuseppe Capriotti (University of Macerata, Italy), Borja Franco Llopis (UNED, Spain), Amanda Salvioni (University of Macerata, Italy), Sandra Szir (National University of San Martín, Argentina)