Sleutelen as Photographic gesture in Journal Research in Art and Education, Vol. 2024 No. 1 (2024): Proceedings from The Art of Research Conference VIII

Keywords: photographic gesture, artistic method, coexistence, sleutelen, tinkering

Abstract Traditionally, the photographic gesture has been understood through the analogy of hunting. However, this analogy fails to capture important characteristics of photography such as coexistence and chance. Through a close examination of my artistic practice, this paper revises the 'hunting analogy' and proposes the Dutch verb 'sleutelen' (a specific kind of tinkering) as an alternative way of understanding the photographic gesture. By emphasizing the process of creation and coexistence with the subject, 'sleutelen' offers a new, more social perspective on the photographic act. Sleutelen' as a photographic gesture aims to question our social and cultural perceptions of ourselves and others.  

https://journal.fi/rae/article/view/142515

Research in Arts and Education is an international double-blind peer-reviewed journal. Thematic scope of the journal includes, but is not limited to, the questions of art & design practice and production, criticism, pedagogy, curriculum and instruction. The journal welcomes all arts disciplines: visual arts, music, dance and other performative arts, their theories, practices and education.