Characters are taking over...

Our visual culture is being taken hostage by a new wave of characters, abstract and reduced to minimal distinguishing graphic features. In the process of a truly explosive movement, they invade digital media, animation, advertising, art, fashion and street art. They playfully quote and remix such diverse phenomena as pop culture, tribal and folklore, brand logos and comics without restricting themselves to any single one of these genres. In such a way, characters speak to observers at an emotional level as well as crossing cultural boundaries.

Starting in 1999 with the world’s first extensive inventory, collection and archive of contemporary character design, the Berlin based Pictoplasma project is defining the shape and velocity of this trend. Besides giving the characters a timeless and worthy manifestation through their acclaimed publications, Pictoplasma has been bringing together a growing international community of designers, artists, critics, producers and fans at their annual conferences in Berlin.

In September 2008, Pictoplasma is crossing the Atlantic and to host the first ever US-conference devoted to the wealth of a visual culture driven by characters. Creatives, producers, critics and fans are invited to gather and celebrate the diversity of character design.

For one weekend the PICTOPLASMA NYC conference transforms the Skirball Center for the Performing Arts into a character design Mecca. The event brings together an international scene of artists, designers and agencies and offers a unique forum for all those working with the visualization and application of character design.

Whether illustration, animation, graphic design, urban vinyl, underground plush, street or fine art - the emphasis is not on the limits of style or format, but on the shared dedication to explore character-driven aesthetics. The lively exchange between the various disciplines highlights the importance of character design in contemporary visual culture.

Style-setting yet diverse artists and designers will talk about the meaning of characters in their work, provide insights into their production methods and engage in open discussion rounds. Amongst the highlights are lectures and presentations by international artists such as Friends With You (USA), Akinori Oishi (JP), Motomichi Nakamura (USA), Fons Schiedon (NL), Tim Biskup (USA), Gangpol & Mit (FR) and Aaron Stewart (USA). Curated programs of the very best in character driven short films, motion graphics and music visuals showcase new character design re-claiming the world of animation.

With an extensive program of lectures, presentations, screenings, performances, exhibitions and parties, the PICTOPLASMA NYC conference offers an inspirational overview of the very latest trends in character design and the opportunity for artists, creators, newcomers and enthusiasts to go offline and meet in the flesh!

http://www.pictoplasma.com/nyc/2008/