Epistolary Entanglements in Film, Media and the Visual Arts

The collection explores the relationship between writing and the self in the age of online communication, adding the category of "Epistolary Screens" to genres of self-expression. It acknowledges the paradoxical nature of writing and the self, describing selves that are written in graphic detail and acknowledging the absence that complicates communication.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2023
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

This collection takes a unique approach to the study of online communication forms, such as email, blogs, text messages, and tweets, by recognizing their underlying connection with ancient epistolary forms like letters and diaries. By examining the pervasive presence of writing across various media, the collection introduces the concept of "Epistolary Screens" to encompass a wide range of self-expression genres, including literary forms like letters, diaries, and auto-biographies, as well as screenic forms such as romance dramas, intercultural cinema, essay films, artists' videos, and online media.

The category of "Epistolary" encapsulates a fascinating paradoxical relationship between writing and the self. On the one hand, it refers to the detailed portrayal of individuals through letters, diaries, blogs, texts, emails, and tweets, creating a vivid and intimate form of self-expression. On the other hand, it acknowledges the complexities that arise from the absence of physical presence in communication, leading to a more entangled and disordered way of connecting people.

The collection is particularly interested in exploring the evolving visual and textual texture of screen media and the implications it has for our understanding of self-expression when it takes the form of Epistolary screens. It questions how the digital medium shapes the way we communicate, interpret, and construct our identities, and how it contributes to the broader cultural discourse on self-expression and identity formation.

Through a series of essays and case studies, the collection offers a comprehensive examination of the diverse ways in which Epistolary screens are used to express oneself, negotiate relationships, and engage with the world. It explores the role of technology, social media, and the internet in shaping the epistolary landscape, as well as the ethical and philosophical considerations that arise from the digitalization of personal communication.

In conclusion, this collection provides a fresh and insightful perspective on the relationship between writing and the self in the digital age. By expanding the boundaries of self-expression and exploring the complexities of online communication, it offers valuable insights into the evolving nature of human communication and the role of technology in shaping our understanding of ourselves and others.

Weight: 542g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789463729666