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. Collected editions and anthologies › Research
  2. Published

    Medienkultur und soziales Handeln

    Thomas, T. (Editor), 2008, 1. ed. Wiesbaden: VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften. 321 p. (Medien - Kultur - Kommunikation)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  3. Published

    Musical Instruments in the 21st Century: Identities, Configurations, Practices

    Bovermann, T. (Editor), de Campo, A. (Editor), Egermann, H. (Editor), Hardjowirogo, S.-I. (Editor) & Weinzierl, S. (Editor), 2017, Singapore: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland. 412 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  4. Published

    Nach der Revolution: Ein Brevier digitaler Kulturen

    Beyes, T. (Editor), Metelmann, J. (Editor) & Pias, C. (Editor), 09.2017, Berlin: Tempus Corporate GmbH. 204 p. (Duisburger Dialoge)(Edition Speersort)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  5. Published

    Niklas Luhmann am OVG Lüneburg: Zur Entstehung der Systemtheorie

    Beyes, T. (Editor), Warnke, M. (Editor), Hagen, W. (Editor) & Pias, C. (Editor), 2021, Berlin: Duncker & Humblot GmbH. 136 p. (Soziologische Schriften (SOZS); vol. 86)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  6. Published

    Notizen zum Interview

    Friedmann, R., Israel, U. & Pinseler, J., 2001, Zürich: Klipp & Klang Radiokurse. 32 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  7. Published

    Pattern Discrimination

    Apprich, C., Kyong Chun, W. H., Cramer, F. & Steyerl, H., 2019, Lüneburg: meson press. 124 p. (In Search of Media Book Series)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  8. Published

    Performing the Digital: Performativity and Performance Studies in Digital Cultures

    Leeker, M. (Editor), Schipper, I. (Editor) & Beyes, T. (Editor), 01.03.2017, Bielefeld : transcript Verlag. 300 p. (Digitale Gesellschaft; vol. 11)

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  9. Published

    Philosophie der Zeugenschaft: Eine Anthologie

    Krämer, S. (Editor), Schmidt, S. (Editor) & Schülein, J.-G., 01.02.2017, Münster: mentis Verlag. 243 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  10. Published

    Possibilities of Place in Continental Thought: Critique, Politics, Philosophy

    Palmusaari, J. (Editor) & Schneider, N. (Editor), 03.10.2024, 1. ed. London: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. 304 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch

  11. Published

    Präsenz von Frauen in den Nachrichten: Medienbeobachtungen 2005

    Hesse (Journalistinnenbund), M. & Röser, J., 2006, Bonn: Journalistinnenbund. 50 p.

    Research output: Books and anthologiesCollected editions and anthologiesResearch