New Book! Theorising Drones in Visual Culture by Elisa Serafinelli

We are delighted to announce the release of Theorising Drones in Visual Culture by Elisa Serafinelli. Her book considers the roles of drones in visual culture from an interdisciplinary standpoint, utilising a range of theoretical frameworks to do so. 

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you could see the world from any angle from the convenience of your home? Well, the popularisation of drones means this is now possible, but at what cost?

Elisa Serafinelli seeks to provide an overview of current debates among varying fields; discuss the developments within drone imagery; explore the semiotics of drone culture; analyse the distribution of drone media; discuss relations between drone usership and the general public; and finally reassess informed by the discussed research the ways in which drones are cultivating perceptions of both the world and visual culture more specifically.

Her theoretical framework is based on the experience of the visual observer and the technology involved. The former is framed with a focus on participatory experience and the latter that visual technology must examine the relationship between the user and the technology itself. Serafinelli clarifies that drone culture is not merely visual drone imagery, but how it is related to and interpreted by its viewers. Thus, highlighting the way in which culture and visual elements exist in an interwoven nature. This can be seen, as Serafinelli demonstrates by highlighting the historical associations between drones and warfare but have developed to be considered simultaneously as a part of civilian culture too. Such, a multi-disciplinary analysis of this visual culture is essential to fully understanding its development. Serafinelli first does this by examining the history of visual imagery through photography, noting its role as a method of communication. When this analysis is combined with the positionality of the viewer, this reveals the true cultural prospects. In terms of applying this framework to drones specifically, Serafinelli notes how drones provide access to otherwise inaccessible or unobtainable views and therefore creates a whole new visual culture for exploration.

This is an exciting read for anyone interested in the overlap between technology and popular culture!

Available here: https://link.springer.com/book/9783031752544