Visual methods and art-based research in the social sciences

Visual research methods refer to a set of methods that use images as part of the process of generating data. These images can be existing/found photos and film, and other visual data, or those produced by the researchers themselves, or in collaboration with participants. Visual data can also be used to elicit discussion (e.g. photo-elicitation). The fields of sociology and anthropology have long used qualitative visual research methods and new work have also appeared within the field of Asian studies. Art-based research, conducted either by researchers themselves or  in collaboration with artists, and by artists themeselves, is also dynamic field. Arts-based research can involve a range of approaches that utilize one or more of art forms in investigation of a social issue. Art offers new ways of knowing the world that involve both sensory perceptions and emotions. Arts can be used in various stages of research, including to collect or create data, to interpret or analyze it, and to present their findings.

This workshop will discuss ethical, methodological, and practical issues and choices when using visual methods and when presenting one’s research. Keynote speakers  will share and discuss their work methods and art practices.

PhD candidates and young scholars are invited to present and discuss either previous and on-going work, or ideas for research projects.  Those who present and attend the whole workshop and write a reflection paper of five pages based on some of the suggested literature, can if their supervisor approves, receive 3 credits. PhD students within the graduation school will get their travel and accommodation funded.

Deadline to apply 29^th November.

• To the application form

Confirmed keynote speakers include

Elin Berge holds a degree in Photojournalism from Nordens Fotoskola, Biskops-Arnö. She has produced three photo books and a documentary film. She has had several solo exhibitions and her work is represented in the collection of the Hasselblad Foundation. She has been the recipient of numerous awards and grants, including the Swedish Arts Grants Committee and the Swedish Authors Fund.

Cecilia Fredriksson is a professor of ethnology at the Department of Service Studies at Lund University.  Her research centres on the culture of consumption from both contemporary and historical perspectives. She is also an artist with several exhibitions and also uses ethnographic drawing as a visual analytical method in her research.

Adam Frost is a postdoctoral fellow with the Copenhagen Business School. He uses historical sources, oral histories, and original datasets to explore the history of entrepreneurship and state-business relations in 20th century China. He has also used ethnographic documentary film to address the situation of beggars in China.

Tintin Wulia is an artist/researcher at HDK-Valand/Academy of Art, Gothenburg. Her works have been shown in major international exhibitions. A current exhibition at the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art, 21 Sep 2024 - 5 Jan 2025 shows 25 of her works spanning over twenty-four years of her career. She is currently heading an ERC grant, Things for politics sake: Aesthetic objects and social change.