Prisons and presence. Process – based artistic research

Abstract

The thesis presents a political philosophy for artistic process-based research and practice. This philosophy is discussed based on reflections of an on-going socially engaged project titled Invisible Neighbours, carried out in Helsinki (“Sörnäinen”) prison, Helsinki, Finland and its neighbourhood that began in the year 2014 in collaboration with artist Annika Niskanen. This research is supported by theoretical framework and situated in a contemporary artistic practice. Basic concepts discussed within are the impact of prisons in general and the meaning and of a prison in the city.

The phenomenon of presence as a process of interpersonal communication and its political impact is examined. The focus is given to the practices of the everyday. A critical account of various stages of the project such as the interview stage, the correspondence, the exhibition of the artworks and a workshop for engagement with the audience is provided. The role of the artist in a socially engaged artistic work is examined. The thesis is concluded by an evaluation of the social outcomes of the project, and its role in the artistic development.