This year’s Image and Object Symposium showcases interdisciplinary research surrounding the theme of ‘shape-shifting’. The theme encompasses human and animal metamorphosis, biologically inspired design, miracles and Transubstantiations. More broadly, ideas shift shape as they are exchanged. The day will feature speakers from across the University of Oxford, including researchers in zoology and anthropology, artists and art historians. Each speaker will deliver a short informal presentation centred on a single object or image, followed by questions.

Programme:

Professor Gervase Rosser, ‘A miraculous statue of the Madonna in northwest Italy’

Dr Jeyaraney Kathirithamby, ‘The cream spot tiger moth and Hyacinth’, from Maria Sybilla Merian’s The Caterpillar Book

Professor Geoffrey Batchen, ‘The only photographic portrait of the Duke of Wellington’

Professor Adrian Thomas, ‘The Stork Vehicle: Morphing Wings and Hydrostatic Skeletons’

Eiko Soga, ‘Autumn Salmon’