Doctoral defense of Dragana Radanović

Dragana Radanović (research unit Image) will present her doctoral research in the Arts: 

“Redrawing Childhood: Beyond Lost Childhood”

The graphic novel that is part of the artistic realisations of the PhD is titled “What Should We Tell Them” and also includes the “Childhood Sketchbook”.

What happens when childhood memories collide with the realities of war? Dragana Radanović, an artist and researcher, embarks on a deeply personal journey to explore her own experiences shaped by conflict. As she grapples with the challenge of articulating her story, she dives into her research, confronting sensationalized portrayals of war that often overshadow individual narratives. Through her work, Dragana uncovers the diverse ways that people remember and recount their pasts, weaving together local and global perspectives that enrich our understanding.

By examining how societal norms and artistic practices influence perceptions of childhood in war, she reveals the nuanced layers of these narratives. Using innovative artistic approaches, she highlights the power of storytelling in addressing memory, trauma, and identity. Exploring the concept of aetonormativity, she advocates for inclusive narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences. With each insight, Dragana invites others to rethink how childhood experiences in conflict are depicted, recognizing art's potential to challenge conventional narratives. As her research unfolds, she wonders: Has she finally discovered the tools to tell her own story?

The members of the examination committee are:

• Prof. Dr. Tom Van Imschoot (LUCA School of Arts / KU Leuven, chairman of the examination committee)
• Prof. Dr. Nancy Vansieleghem (supervisor, LUCA School of Arts / KU Leuven)
• Judith Vanistendael (co-supervisor, LUCA School of Arts / KU Leuven)
• Prof. Dr. Mel Gibson (member of the supervisory committee, Northumbria University, Newcastle)
• Prof. dr Benoît Crucifix (KU Leuven)
• Inge Heremans (LUCA School of Arts)
• Danica Jevđović (comic book artist)

The doctoral defense will take place on Monday, December 9, 2024 at Terrarium, LUCA School of Arts, Paleizenstraat 70, 1030 Schaarbeek. 

In the photo (left to right): committee members Benoît Crucifix, chairman Tom Van Imschoot, comic book artist Danica Jevđović, supervisor Nancy Vansieleghem, PhD candidate Dagana Radanović, Mel Gibson, Inge Heremans, supervisor Roel Vande Winkel, initial supervisor Pascal Lefèvre, co-supervisor Judith Vanistendael