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Art and Intervention | Research

"The term 'research' is inextricably linked to European imperialism and colonialism. The word itself, 'research', is probably one of the dirtiest words in the indigenous world's vocabulary." ( Linda Tuhiwai Smith)

Performer in black clothes with silver chains in dancing movement
Pauline Boudry, Renate Lorenz, (No) Time, Film Installation 2020, Performer: Aaliyah Thanisha, film still by Bernadette Paassen

I consider arts-based research to be an aesthetic practice, aiming at a reflection and negotiation of the boundaries of research. It experiments with alternatives to dichotomies such as theory/practice, science/art, art/politics, and subjectivity/objectivity, and challenges hierarchies and omissions in the field of knowledge. In the context of the PhD in Practice study program, it is important to develop and reactivate artistic forms and formats that provide means for such a challenging of boundaries. Accordingly, we are engaged in an archeology of past artistic research practices, developed in the dialogue with activism, sub- and pop culture. Moreover, we all share the belief that theories and methodologies recently developed in the contexts of feminist, queer, postcolonial and other political and emancipatory projects are central to arts-based research, which thus becomes a space for social, political, cultural and economic conflicts that experiments with future possibilities.

6 people in dark clothes with masks lined up in a row
PhD in Practice, Willful Weeds, choir performance at mumok kino in Vienna, 2019; photo by Pat Blashill

The studio for Art and Intervention | Research (prev. Art and Research) hosts the doctoral study program PhD in Practice. Professor Renate Lorenz is one of the supervisors of the program, in collaboration with Anette Baldauf, professor for methodology and epistemology, and Moira Hille.