Institute of Culture and Aesthetics of Digital Media

Organisational unit: Institute

Organisation profile

The ICAM researches the conditions, effects and aesthetics of digital media in connection with processes of culturalization, the technologization of social and economic relations, and the generation and archiving of knowledge. Our studies reflect on how (digital) media always also contribute to shaping the signs and objects they store, transmit or process in a specific way. At the same time, we are interested in how certain cultural techniques contribute to shaping the usage and areas of application of digital media.

Researchers at the ICAM explore the cultural and technological history of digital media—from cybernetics and the beginnings of the computer all the way to present-day network technologies, from textual and acoustic to visual forms of media representation, and from the classics to current concepts of media theory formation.

Main research areas

The ICAM researches the conditions, effects and aesthetics of digital media in connection with processes of culturalization, the technologization of social and economic relations, and the generation and archiving of knowledge. Our studies reflect on how (digital) media always also contribute to shaping the signs and objects they store, transmit or process in a specific way. At the same time, we are interested in how certain cultural techniques contribute to shaping the usage and areas of application of digital media.

In the different core areas researchers at the ICAM explore the cultural and technological history of digital media—from cybernetics and the beginnings of the computer all the way to present-day network technologies, from textual and acoustic to visual forms of media representation, and from the classics to current concepts of media theory formation. 

The ICAM maintains close institutional contact and cooperates with the Leuphana, e.g., the Moving Image Lab of the Innovation Incubator, the Leuphana College, the Leuphana Arts Program and the Leuphana Graduate School. Furthermore, the ICAM is responsible for the Audio and Video Labs of the Computer and Media Center of Leuphana. 

  1. 2021
  2. Published

    Human–learning–machines: introduction to a special section on how cybernetics and constructivism inspired new forms of learning

    Hof, B. & Müggenburg, J., 02.01.2021, In: History of Education. 50, 1, p. 89-92 4 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsOther (editorial matter etc.)Research

  3. Published

    Proxies

    Kyong Chun, W. H., Levin, B. & Tollmann, V., 02.02.2021, Uncertain Archives: Critical Keywords for Big Data. Tylstrup, N. B., Agostinho, D., Ring, A., D'Ignazio, C. & Veel, K. (eds.). Cambridge MA: The MIT Press, p. 419-425 7 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearchpeer-review

  4. Published

    The Mushroom at the End of the World: On the Possibilities of Life in Capitalist Ruins

    Conrad, L., 04.2021, In: Management Learning. 52, 2, p. 255-259 5 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsCritical reviewsResearch

  5. Published

    Between symmetry and asymmetry: spontaneous symmetry breaking as narrative knowing

    Borrelli, A., 01.04.2021, In: Synthese. 198, 4, p. 3919-3948 30 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  6. Published

    Dual Reality: ( Un)Observed Magic in the Workplace

    Bialski, P. & Farid, S., 30.04.2021, Book of Anonymity. Collective, A. (ed.). Brooklyn, NY: punctum books, p. 326-335 10 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearchpeer-review

  7. Published

    Toward a Kaleidoscopic Understanding of Anonymity

    Bachmann, G., McHardy, J., Knecht, M. & Zurawski, N., 30.04.2021, Book of Anonymity. Collective, A. (ed.). Brooklyn, NY: punctum books, p. 16-34 19 p.

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksContributions to collected editions/anthologiesResearch

  8. Published

    Introduction: Modeling the Pacific Ocean

    Vehlken, S., Vagt, C. & Kittler, W., 20.05.2021, In: Media and Environment. 3, 2, 16 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsConference article in journalResearch

  9. Published

    Geschichtsphilosophie nach der Geschichtsphilosophie? Perspektiven der Kulturgeschichte im Ausgang von Heinz Dieter Kittsteiner

    Blänkner, R. (Editor), Schmieder, F. (Editor), Voller, C. (Editor) & Wagner, J. (Editor), 27.07.2021, Bielefeld: transcript Verlag. 346 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  10. Published

    Constructing strangeness: Exploratory modeling and concept formation

    Borrelli, A., 20.08.2021, In: Perspectives on Science. 29, 4, p. 388-408 21 p.

    Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

  11. Published

    Das Phänomen Trump als Effekt von Microtargeting und Psychometrie

    Leistert, O., 29.09.2021, Data Politics: Zum Umgang mit Daten im digitalen Zeitalter. Bachor, M., Hug, T. & Pallaver, G. (eds.). 1 ed. Innsbruck: innsbruck university press, p. 19 - 33 15 p. (Edited Volumes).

    Research output: Contributions to collected editions/worksArticle in conference proceedingsResearchpeer-review