21 Pictoplasma Conference – Original Characters
LocationBerlin, Germany
AttendanceIn-person and Online Event- Pictoplasma
Host
About 21 Pictoplasma Conference – Original Characters
The world’s leading conference on contemporary character design and art asks the question of the hour: In 2025, can artists still create work that feels original, fresh and exciting – and at the same time, commit to an honest recognition of their ‘origin stories’?
The 21st Pictoplasma Conference presents artist lectures by 25+ innovative illustrators, filmmakers and designers creating the characters of tomorrow. Panels, networking events and conversations connect attendees, industry reps, provocative thinkers, established artists and new talents. Workshops invite the international attendees to get hands on and unleash creative energy. And animation screenings present 60+ animated shorts in four programmes. This year's theme, Original Characters, dives deep into the genealogies of creation, challenging artists to peel back the multiple layers of influences, trends and contexts and unravel the origins of their visual vocabulary. Pictoplasma wants to flip the script on the myth of 'the original', often touted as an artist’s singular autograph, guided by an inherent genius or talent, and asks instead: to what extent are creations an artist's very own, and how can one even determine the dimensions of originality, or indeed, imagination? The accelerated rise of generative AI is making these questions even more urgent. And fading cultural hegemonies challenge established standards of character design as a universal visual language. As the world grows more multipolar, the long-standing dominance of Western pop culture iconography, the influence of Japanese Kawaii, or kitschy, exoticised portrayals of other cultures are all being questioned and reconsidered. In the light of this next digital revolution and the current political turmoils, will we see a new era of multiple visual representation, or simply witness the rise of the next pictorial hegemonies and stereotypes? Good news for all who cannot make it to Berlin, FOMO ends right here. The full programme is being broadcast live to Pictoplasma’s community website.
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Virtual Location
Venue
silent green
Gerichtstr. 35
13347, Berlin
Germany
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