The Art of Observation
If anthropologists are masters of the art of observation, then what kind of art can their observations inspire?
Friday 05/04 Drop in 14.00-19.00
Saturday 06/04 Drop in 12.00-17.00
Samuel Alexander Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, Manchester M13 9PL
Discover "The Art of Observation", an exhibition featuring editorial illustrations created by artists inspired by short public anthropology articles. The exhibition builds a bridge between academia and art and highlights the transformative power of the two fields, as well as the interdisciplinary collaboration. Behind each article there is often ethnographic research work spanning several years. In a way, it could be said that at the heart of this exhibition there is a cumulative body of work spanning hundreds of years - an atypical endeavour in a world increasingly dominated by speed and quick results. "The Art of Observation" reveals the diversity and depth of human experience in all its complexity and stimulates conversations about social practices and cultural norms. It unravels how anthropology can play a significant role in developing a deeper understanding of the self and the world around us, giving us tools for reflection and human connection.
The articles that inspired the exhibition were published on theanthro.art platform following two calls focusing on inequality and social inclusion and sustainability. Alongside the illustrations you will find short abstracts of the articles and QR codes that link to the platform where you can read the full story or listen to it as a podcast.
Maria Rădan-Papasima has an MPhil (University of Oxford) and a PhD in Social Anthropology (University of Kent), she is co-founder of Antropedia and a proponent of public anthropology.
Răzvan Papasima is a PhD student in Sociology at SNSPA (Bucharest), and his research interests lie at the intersection between Anthropology and Science and Technology Studies (STS). Since 2019 he is co-founder of Antropedia.
