Visualising Racism through the Moments of Motion and Concept: Exploring Long Exposure Photography

Abstract

My journey started with crafting DIY lenses from old cameras, which eventually led to a deep passion for photography, where I was motivated by a desire to convey untold stories, particularly those related to societal issues. The research centres on visualising racism through a unique and challenging technique that brings dynamism and narrative depth to the captured moments. The research paradigm traced the evolution of my interest and highlighted the fusion of technical and theoretical knowledge throughout this excursion. The research strategy was centred on art-based action research and aimed to investigate the power of photography, identify moments of motion and concept of photography techniques, highlight the significance of visual storytelling, and visualise racism as a social issue. The study included a literature review, observation, discussion, workshop, and exhibition and aimed to promote critical thinking, reflection, and creative practices for visualisation, contributing to the field of visual arts and activism. A key artistic part of this research culminated in the exhibition ‘A Group Exhibition Exploring Racism, Heritage, and Connection’, held at Gallery Kilo, University of Lapland, from January 28 to February 20, 2025. The exhibition served as both a reflective space and a platform for engaging discussions, allowing the audience to experience my artistic and conceptual depth of the study firsthand. By prioritising processes and strategies, the study aimed to go beyond traditional research boundaries in photography and provide a unique perspective on the connection between art, social issues, and research.