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Paper short abstract:

We discuss our process of making a sculpture series using ideas from the intangible and material cultures and discarded materials from Tuorla Observatory, Finland. We will be viewing our documentary art film (15 min) about the sculpture project, material culture and affects.

Paper long abstract:

In this paper, we discuss our process of making a sculpture series using ideas from the intangible culture and discarded materials from Tuorla Observatory, Finland. We have been documenting the oral history, the everyday objects and the historical equipment of the observatory since 2018. In 2021, we did an experimental art project based on free association and the knowledge we had gained on the observatory.

We will be viewing a 15-minute long documentary film that we have made about the sculpture project. Just like the astronomers at the site of our research topic, Tuorla observatory, we wanted to make our own equipment for research. The sculptures we made are imaginary ethnological field equipment for taking affect samples and analysing them. In the film can be seen how the sculptures were made and used in the field at the historical city centre of Turku, Finland.

The film is discussing the material culture and affects. In this occasion, we are using it as an example for how we processed our knowledge on our research topic by working with our own hands. In this workshop, we hope to open interesting conversations on the hands-on methods for deepening the understanding about one's research topic. Can the practical and creative approach help the research? Do thoughts find clarity through putting one's hands in the materiality and the material practices of your topic?