This essay documents the main currents of visual studies in
   communication. After a brief history of the emergence of the field, we
   review the record of published research in books and journals during
   the past 5 years, identifying major strains of theory, key issues, and
   topical categories. We then apply the strains of thought to classify
   papers presented at the ICA conferences, noting patterns and shifts
   across and within ICA divisions and interest groups. Based on these
   patterns, as well as on informal input from colleagues, we map the
   discipline formation of visual studies and identify trends in
   institutional development. We conclude by exploring future directions
   for the field now that the visual interest group has grown to become
   the Visual Studies Division of ICA.