Pictoplasma investigatesthe art and impact of adventurous figurative representation across creativegenres and cultures. The curatorial organisation connects pioneering creativesand industries across illustration, animation, arts, design, gaming andemerging media. In its 22nd edition, the Pictoplasma Conference sets its focuson storytelling: How can characters act as narrative devices that shapeemotion, identity, and meaning – beyond affect, empathy, or cuteness?