Purdue symposium to focus on politics of comics, animations
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Religion, gender, race and class are some of the themes in graphic novels and cartoons that will be discussed at a Sept. 2-4 Purdue University conference.
The Comparative Literature Program Conference, "Graphic Engagement: The Politics of Comics and Animation," also will highlight film animation, comics and television cartoons. The event's keynote speaker is Kim Deitch, author of "All Waldo Comics," "The Boulevard of Broken Dreams," "Alias the Cat," "Shadowland" and "The Search for Smilin' Ed." He will speak at 4:30 p.m. Friday (Sept. 3), in Stewart Center, Room 202. Deitch's talk, as well as a book signing, is free and open to the public.
Registration is $75 for faculty and $50 for students and the general public. Registration or more information is available at https://graphicengagement.wordpress.com/
There will be a screening of "Sita Sings the Blues" at 8:30 p.m. at the Lafayette Theater, 600 Main St. General admission for the film is $5, and free for those who registered for the conference. The 2009 animated feature was written, directed, produced and animated by Nina Paley. The artist does not sell her films, so part of the admission price will go toward supporting her work. A cash bar also will be open at the theater.
"Graphic media are both an old and new form of literary engagement. We admire their stories and their designs," said Charlie Ross, professor of English and director of the Comparative Literature Program. "More than 70 scholars will be presenting and leading discussions on a variety of topics including the evolution of superheroes, the dynamics of humor and visual representations of conflict. These experts will help us understand comics, as well as animation, and the role they play in our lives."
Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu
Sources: Charlie Ross, 765-494-3749, cross@purdue.edu
Derek P. Royal, Graphic Engagement Conference coordinator and Purdue alumni, graphic.engagement@gmail.com