Continuing series of talks of the Institute of Contemporary Art, Design and Architecture (LMDA) that was launched in December 2021, we are glad to announce the second discussion “Artistic Research: Local Materials and Data in Transnational Context”. The discussion will pose the question how local materials and data that serve as a departure point for artistic research projects acquire relevance in a wider international context. What are the formal means of translation that allow local research to contribute to transnational narratives and topics? What topics are activated by investigation in local histories and environments? The discussion will also inquire into the role of collaboration in artistic research projects. Can we see artistic research as an inherently collaborative practice between artists and experts of various disciplines?

In spring 2021 Art Academy of Latvia in cooperation with other arts academies in Latvia established professional doctoral programme in arts. Bringing together practitioners from different fields of art – visual art, new media art, design and artistic research the talk will discuss artistic research initiatives that originate both in academic and non-academic contexts.

Presenters and program of the discussion:

Artist Ieva Epnere will present the research she performed in Riga and Berlin in the framework of her work “Green School: Marta Rink” (2017 – 2021) that addresses history of reform pedagogy in Latvia. 

Artist and founding director of RIXC Center for new media culture Rasa Šmite (Dr.) in her talk “Ecodata Aesthetics: Visualizing the Complex Relations between Forest Ecosystems and Atmosphere” will introduce research conducted within the framework of Rasa and Raitis Šmits project “Atmospheric Forest” (2020).

LMDA researcher and head of the Department of Interior Design of AAL Liene Jākobsone (Dr.) will outline the principles of the paradigm of research through design. She will reflect upon the possible methods and approaches, as well as the mindset that these kinds of activities require. It will be considered also within the framework of design studies and in relation to research through art.

Artistic research scholar and guest associate professor of the AAL Manuel Ángel Macía (PhD) in his talk will address politics and infrastructure of artistic research.

In the discussion section participants and LMDA researchers Māra Traumane and Dina Suhanova will respond to the topics raised in the presentations. 

The event will be held online in English and will be live-streamed on Facebook from 18.00 to 19.30 (EEST). Attend it by following this: LINK.