In this informal presentation and discussion, part of a series "What Do Critical Data Practices Look Like, and How Do We Care", Vladan Joler will reflect on the potential of maps as critical tools for understanding complex structures, from planetary-scale systems as explored in Anatomy of an AI System to historical mappings of technology and power in Calculating Empires.

We will consider how maps can be used in education and as research methods to structure and communicate complex investigations. The discussion will also address the challenges of classification, cartographic bias, and the uncertain space between scientific and artistic methodologies that this medium occupies.

We invite all to view Joler's previous work ahead of this meeting. 
https://calculatingempires.net/
https://anatomyof.ai/
https://extractivism.online/
https://kim.hfg-karlsruhe.de/nooscope.ai/
https://latentspaces.zhdk.ch/imb/

Vladan Joler is a researcher and artist whose work spans critical design, counter-cartography, investigative journalism, writing, data visualisation, and related disciplines. His projects explore and visualise various technical and social aspects of algorithmic transparency, digital labour exploitation, invisible infrastructures and other contemporary phenomena in the intersection of technology and society.

With a background rooted in media activism and game hacking, he has curated and organised numerous events and gatherings of internet activists, artists, and investigators, including SHARE events in Belgrade and Beirut.

Joler’s work is included in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art, New York; the Victoria and Albert Museum, London; the Design Museum, London; and in the permanent exhibition of the Ars Electronica Center, Linz. His work has been presented in over one hundred international exhibitions, including institutions and events such as: ZKM, Karlsruhe; XXII Triennale di Milano; HKW, Berlin; Vienna Biennale; Victoria and Albert Museum, London; Transmediale, Berlin; Ars Electronica, Linz; Biennale WRO, Wroclaw; Design Society Shenzhen; Hyundai Motorstudio, Beijing; La Gaîté Lyrique, Paris; the Council of Europe in Strasbourg; and the European Parliament in Brussels.

In 2024, he received the S+T+ARTS 2024 Grand Prize of the European Commission for Innovation in Technology, Industry and Society stimulated by the Arts, together with his collaborator Kate Crawford, for their work Calculating Empires (2024). Joler lives and works in Novi Sad.

In 2025 Joler was awarded a Silver Lion of Venice Architecture Biennale for the work Calculating Empires, created with his collaborator Kate Crawford.  

This event is supported by Centre for Critical Data Practices, Dept. of Digital Design and Information Studies, and CUPRA research program.