A performative approach to wool felting : Rhizomatic relations in visual arts making and art education
(2025)
author(s): Samira Jamouchi
published in: University of Agder, Faculty of Fine Arts
This exposition documents the doctoral dissertation “A performative approach to wool felting : Rhizomatic relations in visual arts making and art education” from the University of Agder, Faculty of Fine Arts, 2023.
The exposition consists of a PDF of the printed dissertation and a list of the media (film or sound) that is part of the dissertation.
As the first combined dissertation in Fine Arts with the specialisation Arts in context submitted to the University of Agder, comprising artistic and scientific works, this research evolves between artistic and written acts. It is a performative exploration of a performative approach to the ancestral technique of wool felting. The dissertation includes six explorations: three public exhibitions, three articles, and a 7th element consisting of a series of ongoing ‘minor’ moments related to the topic of the thesis that I carry out in my everyday practices as an artist, teacher and researcher. Alongside with that, I provide a mantle that is a metatext of the dissertation. In dialogue with the works of Deleuze and Guattari (1980) and Barad (2007), I use concepts that denote a theoretical and philosophical position inspired by an ontology of immanence and agential realism. The pedagogical stance of this research acknowledges Atkinson’s (2015) ideas on the adventure of pedagogy that brings forward the notion of the ‘not-known’.
The rhizomatic network connecting the seven explorations is transmitted through four interconnected parts that I call ‘strata’, which is in accordance with my research design. A diffractive reading of the explorations suggests a performative pedagogy that actualises questions related to artistic, pedagogical, and research practices. It underlines the emerging knowledge creation in situ as not-isolated and not pre-existing entities and/or thoughts.
Moving between the de-stabilisation–re-stabilisation, de-forming–reforming, and de-territorialisation–re-territorialisation of my practices brings a fruitful in-coherence. My doubts, interrogations, and experimentations might affect the reader, and provoke new thoughts. The mapping of my explorations can create resonance in readers, also in their own contexts – being similar or different. Maybe this could inspire more persons to explore further how one could teach, not only how one should teach.
This dissertation is dedicated to those that doubt and ask questions, but also to those that work with certainty, in artistic, pedagogical, and/or research contexts.
How to Speak a Foreign Language Without Mistakes
(2025)
author(s): Jewellery witch Seraphita
published in: Research Catalogue
How to Speak a Foreign Language Without Mistakes is a performative video piece centred around the Linguo Booster Phonecase, created for the Tactilite exhibition at Hobusepea Gallery in 2021.
Jewellery witch Seraphita presents the Linguo Booster Phonecase as an intermediary between the person and language. This accessory, engaging with the oral cavity, features a cylindrical jadeite stone. Its translucent green hue harmonises with the exhibition’s style, glowing as light filters through it from the phone’s lamp.
Employing Haptic Visuality, this multisensory approach weaves together emotional resonance and speculative ritual, reimagining connection within a pseudomagical framework.
Idea and performance: Darja Popolitova
Video effects: Jakob Tulve
Sound: Andres Nõlvak
© Darja Popolitova
How to Exercise Self-Control
(2025)
author(s): Jewellery witch Seraphita
published in: Research Catalogue
How to How to Exercise Self-Control is a performative video piece centred around the Irritation Channelling Rings, created for the Tactilite exhibition at Hobusepea Gallery in 2021.
These jewellery pieces invite a pseudomagical interaction, crafting a ritual where the rings serve as tools to soothe irritation and foster emotional transformation. Their dynamic nature is portrayed through movement, bodily interactions, and adaptability, with the visual blur enhancing their fluidity and transformative essence.
Employing Haptic Visuality, this multisensory approach weaves together emotional resonance and speculative ritual, reimagining connection within a pseudomagical framework.
Idea and performance: Darja Popolitova
Video effects: Jakob Tulve
Sound: Andres Nõlvak
© Darja Popolitova
How to Trigger Intimacy
(2025)
author(s): Jewellery witch Seraphita
published in: Research Catalogue
How to Trigger Intimacy is a performative video piece centred around the Necklace with a Very Complicated Lock, created for the Tactilite exhibition at Hobusepea Gallery in 2021.
In the video, Seraphita engages with a concern that may resonate with potential viewers through her pseudo-ritual tutorial. She suggests that the absence of intimacy and closeness in one’s life can be restored through the use of the jewellery piece.
Employing Haptic Visuality, this multisensory approach weaves together emotional resonance and speculative ritual, reimagining connection within a pseudomagical framework.
Idea and performance: Darja Popolitova
Video effects: Jakob Tulve
Sound: Andres Nõlvak
© Darja Popolitova
How to Make Someone Important
(2025)
author(s): Jewellery witch Seraphita
published in: Research Catalogue
How to Make Someone Important is a performative video piece centred around the Importance Booster Medal, created for the Tactilite exhibition at Hobusepea Gallery in 2021.
The work delves into pseudomagic through symbolic rituals and sensory interactions. Seraphita intentionally trivialises the act of recognition: a person’s sense of importance is heightened when presented with a medal of merit.
Employing Haptic Visuality, this multisensory approach weaves together emotional resonance and speculative ritual, reimagining connection within a pseudomagical framework.
Idea and performance: Darja Popolitova
Video effects: Jakob Tulve
Sound: Andres Nõlvak
© Darja Popolitova
Geluid en geluidsbeleving in Vlietland
(2025)
author(s): Marcel Cobussen
published in: Journal of Sonic Studies
Van september tot en met december 2024 heeft Marcel Cobussen (Universiteit Leiden), gedeeltelijk in samenwerking met enkele collega’s en in opdracht van de Provincie Zuid-Holland een geluids(belevings)onderzoek gedaan naar de actuele en mogelijk toekomstige geluidsomgeving in Vlietland, met nadruk op tracédelen 1 en 2.
