Comics Practice and Theory: Roundtable and Exhibition Launch

An expert roundtable exploring the intersection of comics, creative practice and academic research, featuring leading national creators and scholars. 

Location: The Glass Studio, School of Design, University of Leeds, LS2 9JT

This event explores the dynamic relationship between creative practice and scholarly research in the field of comics studies. While creative practice is now widely embraced as a mode of research in the arts and humanities, comics studies is only beginning to formalise its methodological stance towards this development. This public roundtable and exhibition will investigate the critical questions that arise at this intersection, asking: What are the distinct methodologies involved in conducting research about comics versus research created as comics? And what defines an effective and equitable collaboration between academics and creators? The expert panel of leading national creators and scholars includes acclaimed artist Karrie Fransman, practice-led scholar Paul Fisher Davies, and Leeds-based comics Rik Worth. It is aimed at academics, students, creators, and members of the public with an interest in comics, art, and practice as research.

The roundtable takes place in conjunction with a curated public exhibition, running from 10-16 November, which showcases comics work from an international network of artists and scholars. This exhibition serves as a shared body of evidence for the roundtable discussion. The panel of experts will use the works on display as a catalyst to interrogate the event's core themes, providing a live demonstration of practice-led critical inquiry.

The event is convened by Miriam Kent (School of Media and Communication, University of Leeds) and Eirini Boukla (School of Design, University of Leeds) and is part of Thought Bubble Comic Arts Festival.

The expert panel features:

Karrie Fransman, an acclaimed comic creator whose work has been published in the Guardian and the Times, and who has been commissioned by the British Red Cross and the Arts Council. She is the author of the graphic novels The House That Groaned and the award-winning Death of the Artist.

Paul Fisher Davies, a leading scholar on the language and form of comics and author of the monograph Comics as Communication: A Functional Approach. His research, some of which appears in comics form, explores the unique communicative properties of graphic narrative.

Rik Worth, a comics writer, journalist, and co-creator of the Eisner-nominated research comic Hocus Pocus. His work explores strange history, the nature of belief and the process of creative-critical collaboration. He currently works at the University of Leeds.

The roundtable will be followed by a catered reception with drinks and light bites.

Please also note: The accompanying exhibition runs all week from 10th-16th November in the School of Design Foyer and is free and open to all. It features printed artwork, sketches and process materials from international artists including Nick Sousanis, Kate Evans, and Kay Sohini. No booking is required to visit the exhibition during standard building hours.

Registration

This event is free to attend, but registration is essential for the roundtable and reception. Please book your place via Eventbrite.