Pekka Kantonen

I am finalizing the written part of my doctoral dissertation. The dissertation examines generational aspects of video as well as video diaries as an experimental and activating research method.

I have been filming the everyday life of my family daily since March 1990 (approximately 1.800 hours of video footage). My artistic research and curiosity culminates in the question: What happens when an event is videotaped and the recording is watched? What truths, significances and interpretations are transferred and created in filming, editing, viewing and discussing what is seen?

My research method is discussion. Both the research material and the actual work are formed in the discursive process. Research material is not born separately from reflections; everyday life, its documentation, and creating art and research are all part of the same intertwined process. This method, developed together with Lea Kantonen, involves watching and commenting on video material in different groups varying in age, area of expertise and cultural background. In addition to writing at the Saari Residence, I will test new applications of the method with the help of the other residents.