Research Catalogue

A new filigrane sound object (or series of objects) in the making, w.i.p.

Research Paper of the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, 2024 BA Photography Summary: You don’t see what I see. I don’t see what you see. Eyes as hatches passing through reflections of the world around. Electromagnetic radiation translated into visuals. Interpreted by mental processes in the brain. As a woman who used to work in the corporate world, is a mother and an aspiring photographer, I am interested in the topics of gender equality and feminism, seen as inequality based on power relations that are culturally constructed in society. Regarding these topics, I find mostly written or text-based outings. The nature of the topic results in either stereotype or cliché imagery we see in the media, that are detrimental in acquiring an equal basis for everyone. Using case studies, I analyze photographic work related to the gender inequality and power structures. The theoretical framework applied is from Nicholas Mirzoeff (British-American, 1962), Professor of Media, Culture and Communication at the New York University and is derived from his book ‘An introduction to Visual Culture’ (2023). This theory distinct ‘visualizing’ (what is commonly seen, the ruling power) and ‘visibilizing’ (introducing different perspectives as response to the ruling power). Mirzoeff elaborates on this by comparing the Spanish word for power, ‘poder’, meaning “static, constituted power” with power as ‘potencia’ which according to him has a “dynamic constituent dimension… our power to do, to be affected and to be affected by others.”. To me he connects visualization with exposing what the systemic power wants us to see, while ‘visibilizing’ is exposing the views that are not dictated by that overarching power but that have the freedom to show different perspectives and views. For the case studies I chose ‘The Table of Power I & II’ of Dutch Photographer Jacqueline Hassink (1966-2018) analyzing economic power and role of women in the higher echelons of companies. A work consisting of board rooms photos of the forty largest industrial multinational companies at the time (1994 & 2009, Table of Power I & II respectively). In ‘Female Power Stations: Queen Bees’ (1996-1998) she reflects upon board rooms of female leadership countered against their dining tables at home, all set up to receive guests. A diptych of power (work) vs. traditional qualities (home). I continue with the work ‘Performance Review’ (2020) of American photographer Endia Beal (1985). ‘Performance Review’ is about fitting into traditional corporate culture layered with outward signifiers of difference, navigating the corporate environment based on unconscious biases. We are part of the system, whether we like it or not. Me aiming to trigger a change with photographs is what drives me to be a maker. By not taking things as truth or fixed, by challenging the status quo, and by knowing that there are always different perspectives to look at things. I feel I am challenging the visualization of things, and therefore affect people around me. It’s me creating a ‘potencia’, a dynamic constituent dimension, that fights the ‘poder’; it’s within my power to do and my photographs will enable that.

Schedule, updates and resources for the Working Group Performance and Pedagogy at PSi 29: Assembly, London, UK. Organized by Vanessa Damilola Macaulay, Leigh Anne Howard and Adelheid Mers (coordinator)

(Eng) During the isolation in Mexico due to the pandemic, two groups of people fought their own ideals to prevent the disease: those who believed in scientific research, and those who followed shamans wisdom, the indigenous witches. Contrary to what people might believe, there are still a lot of beliefs in ancestry medicine in urban areas. During 2020 I have filmed clips of beliefs and traditions in different parts of Chihuahua, Mexico. I continued the research in Sweden and displayed the process at Tales Festival with sounds, objects and the film in VR. The name of the project: URBAN WITCHES. I aim to continue the research on ancestral connectivity from a scientific point of view. _________________________________________________ (Esp) Durante el aislamiento de la pandemia, dos grupos de personas defendieron diferentes posturas para prevenir la enfermedad: los de ciencia y los que siguen el chamanismo de los nativos indigenas, del cual mucha gente del area urbana aun practica. Durante el 2020 filmé un poco de sus creencias y tradiciones en el Estado de Chihuahua. Continué la investigación en Suecia y mostré el proceso con una instalación de arte la pelicula en VR, sonidos y objetos en el Festival de Tales. El nombre del proyecto: URBAN WITCHES. Mi objetivo es continuar investigando la conectividad ancestral desde el punto de vista científico.

Materials, Chaos, and Desire in the Midst of Subconsciousness

Master in Film & Media, Thesis project, SKH/Stockholm University of the Arts - the Art of Impact 2024 Film as doing philosophy, and the liminal experience explored within the narrative gap of character creation, as a space for pre-reflective thought and attention. Themes of Melancholy and Memory works as architecture for experimenting with spatiality and temporality. With ideas of Film as Poetic Art, I have explored the How and Now in film acting with a tension dependent non-linear script motivated by the works of filmmaker Chantal Akerman. What happens with us as filmmakers when we refuse to answer questions? What happens with the spectator when we refuse to give answers? Is there a gap created or are the gaps the magic that happens in between the creation?