Theme seminar: Image research seminar 2025-2026

Description

Learning outcomes: The participants learn how to critically read and discuss theoretical texts related to image research as well as understand key themes and concepts of image anthropology and relate them to artistic research. Content: This year's Image Research Seminar focuses on "image anthropology", an approach that opens up opportunities for a critical re-evaluation of prevailing theories of pictorial representation. With the help of reference materials agreed with the participants, we get to know the key issues in image anthropology. Our collective challenge is to relate the multiplication of ontologies by image anthropology to the practices of artistic research. Each seminar session consists of brief introductions related to the accompanying material, which are given by the participants in turn, as well as a discussion. Possible visiting teachers of the theme station will be confirmed at a later date. The six sessions of the seminar are tentatively planned as follows: Session I: Introductions. What is image-anthropology and how does it relate to anthropology – and to artistic research? Session II: Histories/backgrounds. Images, Signes, and Archives. Images in relation to writing. Session III: Debates. What is he role of representation in visual antropology? How do debates around visual anthripology resonate with artistic research? Questions of ontology of images. The role of images in knoweldge production. Session IV: Approaches 1. Hans Belting's image anthropology especially in An Anthropology of Images. Image, Medium, Body. Princeton University Press, 2011. Session IV: Approaches 2. Philippe Descola's view on image ontologies especially in Forms of the Visible: An Anthropology of Figuration. Polity press 2025. Session IV: Approaches 3. Not yet planned. Completion methods: Each participant is expected to prepare at least one time during the academic year an introduction to one of the chapters we will read in the group. Active participation in the discussion a key element of the course. Execution methods: The group will meet live, online participation is possible but not preferrable. Learning material: Hans Belting. An Anthropology of Images. Image, Medium, Body. Princeton University Press, 2011. Philippe Descola. Forms of the Visible: An Anthropology of Figuration. Polity press 2025. A selection of short research article related to visual anthropology and artistic research. Further information: Quotas: Priority 1 - KuvA doctoral students Priority 2 - Tutke / SibA doctoral students - Doctoral Students from Other Universities - KuvA Master's students - JOO students - Open University (3), based on amotivation letter - Exchange students (2), based on amotivation letter Priority 3 - Students with the continued study right (2), based on the motivation letter Evaluation scale: Pass - Fail Languages: Finnish, English Level: Licentiate and Doctoral Studies Person in charge: Mika Elo