Call for Papers
International Symposium
Tradition and Innovation in Franco-Belgian Bande Dessinée
University of Leicester
13 March 2020
Confirmed keynote speakers:
Michel Kichka (graphic novelist)
Professor Laurence Grove (University of Glasgow)
Franco-Belgian bande dessinée is often considered as the cradle of the ‘ninth art’ (Weyer, 2015). Its ‘golden age’ in the aftermath of the Second World War has had a lasting impact on the field by providing key models for emulation or, at times, repudiation (Miller, 2007). This legacy has exerted a decisive influence on both the mainstream and independent sectors in bande dessinée and has also shaped transnational creative practices.
This one-day international symposium will explore the legacy of traditional Franco-Belgian bande dessinée from national and international perspectives and it will promote a dialogue between scholars and artists to examine the dynamics between continuity and innovation in contemporary bande dessinée.
Michel Kichka is an esteemed Belgian-Israeli graphic novelist and cartoonist. His graphic novels Deuxième génération (Dargaud, 2012) and Falafel sauce piquante (Dargaud, 2018) have been translated into multiple languages. Kichka will discuss how his Franco-Belgian heritage has shaped his current work in bande dessinée and related areas such as cartooning.
Laurence (Billy) Grove is Professor in French and Text/Image Studies at the University of Glasgow, President of the International Bande Dessinée Society and co-editor of European Comic Art. Drawing on the specific example of Tintin, he will examine the legacy of traditional Franco-Belgian bande dessinée and its developments from a national and international perspective.
For this one-day symposium we particularly welcome papers that explore historical and contemporary continuities, ruptures and transformations in the field of bande dessinée. Relevant topics include, but are not limited to:
- the legacy of traditional Franco-Belgian bande dessinée and its ‘golden age’ today in national and international contexts
- the role and place of traditional models, genres, styles and conventions in contemporary mainstream, independent and/or underground productions
- innovation and creative transformation of traditional models, genres, styles and conventions in bande dessinée
- representations of national or cultural identity in contemporary bande dessinée
- continuities and changes in the creation of cultural and socio-political meaning in bande dessinée
- contemporary interactions with related traditions or media such as comics, manga and cartooning
The event will be organised with generous support from Wallonie-Bruxelles International, the Society for French Studies, the Association for the Study of Modern and Contemporary France and the School of Arts at the University of Leicester.
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Please send abstracts (300 words) and a short bio (150 words) to Fransiska Louwagie (FL47@le.ac.uk) and Simon Lambert (s.lambert@alac-wbi.be) by 6 January 2020.
Scholars at all career stages are encouraged to submit a proposal and a limited number of travel bursaries will be available for early career delegates. The registration fee (£20 or reduced fee of £10) includes catering and refreshments.