3rd International Conference Colour in Film 2018

Technological Development Between Art and Politics: The Case of Gasparcolor
Situated in between avant-gardist color theories and political constraints, the case of Gasparcolor provides a fascinating example for the interplay of various social actors with colliding attitudes towards color film technology. At the moment of Gasparcolor’s introduction in Germany in the early 1930s, several parties involved were deeply interested in the development of a technologically advanced and reliable color film technology. However, their needs and expectations diverged significantly, as they alternated between strengthening national identity, demonstrating technological prowess, and colorful artistic expression.
Arguing for the importance of cultural, socio-political and industrial aspects in the development of color film technologies, this presentation will rely on SCOT - the social construction of technology approach - and a discourse analytical approach in order to delve into unequal power relations and the negotiations of Gasparcolor through different societal groups.