Octopus is an interdisciplinary and experimental writing project voluntarily organized by select graduate students in the Visual Studies Program at the University of California, Irvine. Fostering the scholarly curiosity for visual culture, history, criticism, and theory, as well as promoting the work of emerging artists, Octopus provides a multifaceted online space for academic and creative exploration.

Our primary aim is to generate conversation and connections between its contributors and visitors. We hope to supply an open forum to support and propel the diverse interests of the Visual Studies community at large, as an ever-burgeoning discipline.

In its previous incarnation, Octopus existed as a peer-reviewed journal. Five issues were released between 2005-2011, in print and electronic format, which can be accessed through our Journal menu.