The Department of English Studies, Research Club Humanus, and B1—Poster Design Research Club at the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów are pleased to announce an international conference, “Shapes of Dystopia: Trends, Currents and Risks,” to be held on 14 May 2024 in Rzeszów.

The conference is directed to scholars, artists, students, and enthusiasts across disciplines who are interested in topics related to dystopian realities. Both papers and poster presentations are welcome.

Dystopian themes in literature, film, and television have captivated audiences for centuries, dating back to Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver’s Travels" in the late 18th century. Our fascination with these narratives has only grown in the 21st century, marked by environmental crises, political unrest, and global pandemics. These real-world challenges have paradoxically heightened our interest in dystopian stories despite their bleak depictions of the future. They serve as a reminder of the potential consequences of our actions, making them more than just entertainment.

Our interdisciplinary forum aims to dissect the enduring appeal of dystopias. We seek to understand why, amidst societal turmoil, we gravitate towards narratives that reflect our deepest fears and anxieties. Dystopian fiction, often set against the backdrop of shattered societies or post-cataclysmic worlds, serves not just as a mirror to our current predicaments but also as a lens through which we examine potential futures. These narratives stretch beyond mere entertainment, prompting critical reflection on our reality and offering warnings of what could be if we remain on our current path.

The conference "Shapes of Dystopia: Trends, Currents, and Risks" invites contributions from scholars, artists, and enthusiasts across disciplines. We aim to explore the complex relationship between dystopian narratives and contemporary issues. We are interested in understanding how these imagined worlds compel us to confront uncomfortable truths about our present and future, serving both as cautionary tales and vehicles for critical societal examination.

Suggested topics include but are not limited to:

·       feminist utopias and dystopias across media;

·       gender portrayals within utopian and dystopian visions;

·       images of ecological disasters;

·       manipulation of and by language;

·       manipulation techniques implemented by media; creating a false vision of a modern utopia;

·       ecocriticism's insights on the impacts of humanity, capitalism, and technology on nature;

·       the notions of hybridity and the evolving definitions of life, challenging the human/non-human divide (cyborgs, androids, artificial life, etc.);

·       the role of technology in creating dystopian realities;

·       ecofeminism's exploration of the links between women, nature, and systems of oppression and control;

·       bio-power and issues of social control; reproductive technologies;

·       the realities of dystopia: examining systemic oppression, the state of women in authoritarian regimes, and the voice of feminist resistance;

·       late capitalism as a modern dystopia.

Please send your abstract (max. 250 words) for a 15-minute presentation and a short bio (max. 150 words) to dr Paula Wieczorek pwieczorek@wsiz.edu.pl by April 30, 2024. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by May 5, 2024. The conference fee is 60 PLN and covers the cost of coffee breaks and conference materials.

Selected papers will be published in a special issue of Studia Humana (ISSN: 2299-0518) or Social Communication. Online Journal (ISSN: 2450-7563).

Integral to the conference will be the International Illustration and Poster Exhibition “Perceptions IV: Lights and Shadows.” This collaboration will visually explore the nuanced dynamics of dystopia and utopia, illustrating the literal and metaphorical concepts of light and shadow. Through this exhibition, we aim to provide a multidimensional perspective on our discussions, enriching the dialogue with visual interpretations that underscore the contrasts and contradictions inherent in dystopian and utopian thought.

By intertwining the visual motifs of light and shadow with the thematic exploration of dystopian and utopian narratives, the "Shapes of Dystopia" conference and "Perceptions IV" exhibition aim to foster a rich, interdisciplinary dialogue.

Scientific Committee:

dr hab. Patrycja Longawa

dr Iwona Leonowicz-Bukała

dr Konrad Szocik

dr Paula Wieczorek