Symposium Playing the Photogram

Playing the Photogram

FOMU Antwerp

November 16th, 2026

9.30 AM – 5 PM

On the occasion of the upcoming publication Playing the Photogram (Off Camera 2), the research group Thinking Tools organises a day long symposium on the contemporary photogram at FOMU, Antwerp. Through presentations and conversations with photographers and artists presented in the book, the symposium aims to shed light on what drives so many contemporary artists to experiment with the photogram and its many derivatives. Instead of understanding their practice as a simple revival of an old, obsolete procedure, the book proposes to see their photograms as a pointed answer to the disruptions in today’s visual culture. Indeed, opting for a slow, tactile, hands-on procedure seems to run counter against the fast circulation of images that defines our current age. Nevertheless, it would be too easy to dismiss the revival of the photogram as a nostalgic retour aux sources. On the contrary, the aim of the book and the symposium is to show how the contemporary photogram is equally defined by a pull towards and a push against the prevailing visual culture.

Schedule

9.30
Welcome

10.00 – 10.20
Introduction by Steven Humblet, editor of the book.

10.20 – 11.00
Presentation by Franziska Kunze on the chemigram

11.15 – 12.15
Conversation between Dries Segers and Laure Winants, moderated by Duncan Wooldridge on the ecological photogram

13.30 – 14.45
Conversation between Marta Djourina, Sine Van Menxel and David Penny on the role of chance in the contemporary photogram

15.00 – 16.00
Conversation between Sophie Thun and Steven Humblet on the importance of scale and touch in the contemporary photogram

16.10 – 16.40
Presentation by Will Peck on his use of digital devices to create photograms

Entrance is free, but it is advised to register. You can register by

sending an email to: [email protected]