Letters to a Pine

a video essay

Authors

  • Annette Kristina Arlander Academy of Fine Arts University of the Arts Helsinki

Abstract

Three letters to a small pine tree written as part of an online performance in October 2020 are compiled and edited into a video essay, with reflective and explanatory commentaries inserted after each letter. The video essay serves as an example of how PAR (performance as research) methodologies can “challenge the epistemological assumptions concerning the concept of research” and how they can “reinvigorate academic conventions” of presenting research results in conferences and publications. The most relevant question is whether performance practices, such as writing letters to trees next to the trees, can serve as an aid for an academic as well as an art audience to focus their attention on trees and other beings with whom we share this world.  

Author Biography

Annette Kristina Arlander, Academy of Fine Arts University of the Arts Helsinki

Annette Arlander, DA (theatre and drama), MA (philosophy), is an artist, researcher and a pedagogue. She was professor of performance art and theory at Theatre Academy, Helsinki (2001-2013), professor of artistic research at University of the Arts Helsinki (2015-2016), and professor at Stockholm University of the Arts (2018-2019). Her research interests include artistic research, performance-as-research, and the environment. Her artwork moves between performance art, media, and environmental art. For publications see https://annettearlander.com.

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Published

2023-07-07

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 1-2 (2023): Performing Practice-Based Research

Section

PBR and Place

License

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