18th June at 2 p.m. Paulius Petraitis, doctoral student of Art History and Theory, will defend his dissertation "Intermediality and Networked Meaning-Making in Contemporary Baltic Art Photography" (Art History and Theory H 003) at the Conference Hall of the Lithuanian Culture Research Institute (Saltoniškių St. 58 – 216, Vilnius).
The dissertation defence meeting will be held in English.
The institution where the dissertation was prepared: Lithuanian Culture Research Institute
Doctoral supervisor:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Odeta Žukauskienė (Lithuanian Culture Research Institute, Humanities, Art History and Theory H 003)
The dissertation will be defended in front of the Joint Academic Board of Art History and Theory of Vilnius Academy of Arts, Lithuanian Culture Research Institute and Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre:
Chairperson:
Prof. Dr. Agnė Narušytė (Lithuanian Culture Research Institute and Vilnius Academy of Arts, Humanities, Art History and Theory H 003)
Members:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tomas Pabedinskas (Vytautas Magnus University, Humanities, Art History and Theory H 003)
Dr. Eugénie Shinkle (Westminster School of Arts, University of Westminster, Humanities, Art History and Theory H 003)
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Renata Šukaitytė-Coenen (Lithuanian Culture Research Institute and Vilnius University, Humanities, Art History and Theory H 003)
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alise Tifentale (City University of New York and State University of New York (USA), Humanities, Art History and Theory H 003)
Abstract
This dissertation investigates the evolving realm of contemporary Baltic art photography, focusing on intermediality and networked meaning-making. The research, concentrated on the period 2013-2023, scrutinises the profound transformations within art photography influenced by digital and network technologies. It frames its exploration around the integration of photography with other media forms and the shifts in how photographic meanings are constructed and perceived in the interconnected, networked milieu.
The study situates itself within the context of the digital transformation that has redefined the boundaries and functionalities of photography. It explores how contemporary photographic practices in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia navigate this new terrain. Tracing photography's journey from traditional roots to a networked image culture, it highlights the transition from classical to networked meaning-making paradigms. By contrasting contemporary frameworks with traditional modes of meaning-making, the dissertation highlights the role of algorithms and digital platforms in shaping how images are received and interpreted, underlining the complex interplay between technology and artistic expression in contemporary photography.
The thesis aims to contribute to the fields of photography theory, art history and visual studies by shedding light on the nuanced dynamics of intermedial art practices and by broadening the understanding of how contemporary Baltic photographic artists engage with and contribute to global art discourses.
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Credits: Vytautas Kumža, “Did I?”, 2022. Archival ink-jet print, door chain, screws, aluminum frame. 50x40cm
