The image shows two Creatures in the centre. Unlike the rest of the photo, these were drawn by hand. The figure on the left, with gray skin, has purple dreadlocks, pointed fairy ears, fangs, and large sunglasses. Its arm is around the figure next to it. This figure has yellow skin and flaming hair. It wears welding goggles and has an orange mustache. In the background is a nested room made of light-coloured brick.

Creature ChroniCles – Artistic documentation of the 39C3

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Update

There is an update to this post available.

Original

This year at 39C3, there will be photos of the Congress with hand-drawn figures. All persons will be digitally overdrawn and thus anonymized. This is an exception to the photo policy. “Creature ChroniCles” is an artistic pictorial documentation of Congress events. Graphic designer Stella (known for her Congress designs for 33C3 and 35C3 and for Camp23) will take photos of interesting scenes and nice interactions/installations throughout the entire duration of 39C3 and then anonymize all persons represented in the photos by painting digitally over all human features. You can see what this looks like in the header image. We ask you to place your trust in Stella, as we do to make this project possible.

Why this project?

The Congress is a special place: 14,000 people come together, share ideas, build crazy installations, and create unforgettable moments. At the same time, it is a safe space where we want to feel unobserved and private – despite the crowds. “Creature ChroniCles” works with this tension: Through graphic anonymization the atmosphere, energy, and the special situations at Congress remain visible, while the identity of all participants is protected. The colourful cartoon characters transform documentary snapshots into an artistic chronicle that allows both memory and privacy. The project also invites reflection: What makes us identifiable? What remains of a moment when we anonymize it? And how can we tell stories without showing the people behind them?

How does it work?

After a photo is spontaneously taken, the consent of the people shown is obtained and the anonymization process is explained. Authorization takes place after the photo has been taken, because experience has shown that the authenticity of the moment is lost if the people know in advance that they are being photographed. Once approval has been given, the “creaturization” is done by hand on a drawing tablet. This ensures that the anonymity of the people in the photo is preserved. Instead of the people, colourful cartoon figures will then bring the images to life. Care will also be taken of laptops, clothing, or other details that might remove the anonymity. If the people who provide the poses for the later Creatures do not agree to be part of the project, the original photo will of course be deleted immediately.

Photo Policy and Transparency

The project is a pre-arranged exception to the photo policy. Still no secret photos are taken – every person photographed is approached immediately and informed about the project. Communication is transparent and takes place on an equal footing. If anyone refuses, the photo will be deleted immediately without discussion. Stella is aware of her responsibility towards the participants and takes the protection of privacy seriously. The project depends on mutual trust and respect – just like Congress itself. Where possible, people will be asked in advanced before any pictures are taken.

After Congress

All finished images will be made available to Congress participants in a gallery immediately after completion. The original photos will be deleted after the drawings have been anonymized – these photos will not be stored.

Want to participate?

If you would like your assemblies to be documented in this way, or if you have discovered great places that should be captured in a picture, or if you have any other questions or requests, please contact Stella at DECT no. 7161. You can show the “Creature ChroniCles” to relatives and friends later or reminisce with them if the Congress blues strike you next January :).

FAQ about “Creature ChroniCles”

A constantly updated FAQ about Creature ChroniCles can be found in the hubs wiki.

Edit note

In the first version of this post, Creature ChroniCles was described as being in accordance with the photo policy. This was corrected in two steps on the evening of the 20th and at noon on the 21st, and is now explicitly described as a defined exception to the photo policy.

Image CC BY-SA 4.0 stella