Playing the Photogram

17.12.2026

We are looking forward to welcoming Steven Humblet at Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen. Steven is the director of the interdisciplinary research group Thinking Tools at our partner university, the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. Steven Humblet will be at Folkwang on December 17, 2026.

On the occasion of his visit, he will present his most recent book »Playing the Photogram« which brings together works by 40 contemporary artists. Instead of limiting itself to a mere overview of what is happening today with the photogram, the book aims to present some insights into why so many artists are invested in what could be considered an obsolete procedure.

The starting point of the book is that the contemporary photogram cannot simply be understood as a nostalgic retour aux sources. On the contrary, these photograms are the result of both a pull towards and a push against the broader changes in today’s visual culture caused by digital disruption. Starting from a structural analysis of the contemporary photogram, the book is divided in five segments. Each segment explores the different strategies being used to today to set the current photogram apart from its ›historica‹ precursors, while also giving attention to the thematic expansion into new areas of inquiry.

As such, »Playing the Photogram« hopes to give some insight in what drives the current interest and passion towards the photogram.