Research team

Expertise

Visual sociological research methods, film and image analysis, media analysis, analysis/evaluation of film policy, media historic research of exploitation and media reception.

Borders and Borderlands Revisited: A Visual and Mixed-method Study of Liminal Spaces and 'In Situ' Experiences 01/01/2019 - 31/12/2022

Abstract

This research project investigates the varieties and dimensions of borders in selected border spaces by documenting the visual and multimodal manifestations of a diversity of borders (geopolitical and non-geopolitical), and through researching their impact on peoples' lives. It advocates and constructs an innovative mixed methodology for studying different aspects of semiotically-charged border spaces which allows to focus on both visual manifestations of various dimensions of borders and on people's actions and reactions towards those materialized expressions. Five distinct border(land) cases will make up the empirical part of this project. These research sites are carefully chosen to question and challenge existing types and typologies of borders and borderlands. The selected five distinct types of 'border' sites within the European realm, each are characterized by different forms of borderland continuation, different levels of border openness, and different dimensions of borders. The part of the field research focused on geopolitical borderlands (borders between nations) will test some of the existing typologies, and will seek to develop more refined alternatives. The fieldwork on dynamic non-geopolitical border sites (e.g. borders within cities) will seek to adapt and expand those border and borderland typologies for broader use and at the same time critically examine the viability and affordances of such a venture.

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  • Research Project

Scientific Chair Vandenbunder Baillet Latour Fund for Film Studies and Visual Culture. 01/10/2018 - 30/09/2021

Abstract

With the support of Inbev-Baillet Latour Fund this Chair was founded to stimulate the film education and research at the University of Antwerp, within the context of research group Visual Studies and Mediaculture and the master Film Studies and Visual Culture of the department Communication Sciences (Faculty Political and Social Sciences).

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  • Research Project

BOF Sabbatical Leave 2018-2019 Prof. Luc Pauwels. 24/09/2018 - 23/09/2019

Abstract

1. Completing the second version of the successful and influential 'SAGE Handbook of Visual Research Methods', now as the lead editor (co-editor is Dawn Mannay). 2. Various Visual Data Production Field Trips (performing systematic recording, repeat photography, respondent-generated image production, visual ethnography) in urban environments in North America (New York, Las Vegas, Chicago), Asia (Japan, China, India) and Europe (EU member states) as part of a number of ongoing and new research projects (on globalization, border experiences, mediated cities, EU culture). 3. Make a start with a new - long overdue - monograph about 'Visual Methods' as commissioned and contracted by Oxford University Press in its 'Understanding Qualitative Research Series' (series editor: Patricia Leavy). 4. Finish articles and book chapters on: 'visual political communication' (Palgrave),' health related visual research' (TBD), 'scientific visualization' (Springer), 'street photography' (VS) , 'globalization', 'border studies', … 5. Further develop two new research lines: 'Visual Border Studies' and the 'Visual Culture of the EU'. 6. Continue my active involvement with international scientific organizations (IVSA, ISA, ICA,…) and scientific A1 journals 7. Ongoing supervision of approx. 10 PhD projects in various stages of completion. 8. Find some time to finally catch up with some core readings in the field of visual research, visual culture, science and technology and urban studies.

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  • Research Project

Cultures of Spectacle. An interdisciplinary platform for historical research on film, theatre, dance and musical performance. 01/01/2016 - 31/12/2020

Abstract

This scientific research community (WOG) aims to bring together researchers from different disciplines and institutions to invite them to compare and discuss the methodological grounds and contents of their research on aspects of our culture of spectacles (TV, Film Theatre,…). This may lead to a state of the art of this broad and multidimensional field but also to the formulation of new inter- trans- or multidisciplinary research questions and hypotheses.

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  • Research Project

Researching the new urban experience: a Transnational Multi- Method Study of the Intersections between Direct and Mediated Visual Enactments in Cosmopolitan Contexts. 01/01/2016 - 31/12/2019

Abstract

This research project aims to produce an in-depth, multilayered analysis of the contemporary urban experience addressed in particular from the point of view of the cultural changes that have been made possible through the greater involvement contemporary cities have with mediatized flows of information and communication. More concretely this project will seek to produce a better understanding of the ways in which multiple intersections between direct and mediated experiences of the city (enacted via media representations, screens in public places, image sharing, augmented reality and geomedia, etc.) influence social actors' uses and experiences of the urban space.

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  • Research Project

Scientific Chair Vandenbunder Baillet Latour Fund for Film Studies and Visual Culture. 01/10/2015 - 30/09/2018

Abstract

With the support of Inbev-Baillet Latour Fund this Chair was founded to stimulate the film education and research at the University of Antwerp, within the context of research group Visual Studies and Mediaculture and the master Film Studies and Visual Culture of the department Communication Sciences (Faculty Political and Social Sciences).

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  • Research Project

Visual Dimensions of Globalization and Cultural Exchange in Cities. 15/09/2014 - 14/07/2017

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand Erasmus Mundus. UA provides Erasmus Mundus research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

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  • Research Project

DICIS - Digital Cinema Studies. 01/01/2014 - 31/12/2018

Abstract

This is a fundamental research project financed by the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO). The project was subsidized after selection by the FWO-expert panel. The objective of the FWO's Research projects is to advance fundamental scientific research.

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  • Research Project

Defying Social Invisibility: A Transnational Study of Empowerment And Social Intervention in the Field of Contemporary Digital Imaging Practices. 01/01/2014 - 31/12/2017

Abstract

Digital images filter today most of our experiences of ourselves and of the world surrounding us. We consume them daily through our computers and mobile phones and, given in particular the spread of latest-generation mobile phones, we also constantly produce them. It is estimated that every day 6.7 billion people view the world through their own lens. Despite their ubiquitous character digital images are, however, conventionally approached as a matter of entertainment detached from the material and social conditions of our lives. Questioning such stances, this study looks at digital imaging as an instrument of empowerment and social intervention. Focusing on a number of image-based projects in Belgium, India and South Africa that aim to combat social marginalization, the study explores the manifold ways in which digital images can actually bring about change. To what extent can they help bringing visibility to marginalized groups or groups at risk of social exclusion? The innovative aspect of this study is that it addresses questions of digital empowerment though a specific attention to images, a language with enormous potential to favour communication across boundaries. The study will also give birth to an integrated methodological model for the study of digital imaging at global level in which participant-observation, interviews, audio-visual recordings and online ethnography will be integrated into a coherent whole.

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  • Research Project

Belgian cinema from a postcolonial perspective. An interdisciplinary study of interculturality in Belgian cinema from 1960 till now with a focus on Belgian representations of Congo. 01/10/2013 - 30/09/2017

Abstract

The main objective of the research project is to analyze Belgian cinema – particularly those films dealing with our former colonies and intercultural films – through the postcolonial lens, and so (1) to dialogically contribute to both cinema studies and postcolonial studies and (2) to contribute to the historiography of Belgian cinema.

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  • Research Project

Imag(in)ing Europe: How do political cartoons (de) construct a European public sphere in times of crisis? 01/10/2013 - 30/09/2014

Abstract

To determine what impact the Eurocrisis has on the legitimacy of the EU, research on mechanisms that shape attitudes, perceptions and identities becomes paramount. Within this research agenda, I will turn to visual utterances of media coverage. By executing a comparative analysis of political cartoons, I intend to examine whether the political, economic and financial split in Europe is accompanied with a communicational or ideational split.

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  • Research Project

Cultural Displays and Encounters in Globalizing Urban Areas. A Study of Visual Expressions of Ethnic/National Identity Versus the Emergence of a Transnational Attitude in the European Public Realm. 01/01/2013 - 31/12/2016

Abstract

This project proposes to interrogate the visual dimensions of globalization and acculturation processes (and their opposite forces) as expressed in material culture elements of a varied nature, as well as through visible and recordable aspects of human behavior in urban public spaces. It aims to enrich and complement the more abstract discourse of globalization and transnationalism with empirically grounded insights regarding concrete expressions and enactments of cultural encounters in urban hotspots.

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  • Research Project

Scientific Chair Vandenbunder InBev-Baillet Latour Fund for Film Studies and Visual Culture. 01/10/2012 - 30/09/2015

Abstract

With the support of Inbev-Baillet Latour Fund this Chair was founded to stimulate the film education and research at the University of Antwerp, within the context of research group Visual Studies and Mediaculture and the master Film Studies and Visual Culture of the department Communication Sciences (Faculty Political and Social Sciences).

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  • Research Project

Scientific visualisation and visual scientific literacy: a study of new imaging practices and their impact on knowledge building and communication. 18/09/2011 - 17/03/2012

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand Erasmus Mundus. UA provides Erasmus Mundus research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

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  • Research Project

Visualising Experiences: An Artistic Research Project on the Perception of Comtemporary Abstract Art. 01/01/2011 - 31/12/2012

Abstract

This project is a practice-based research on the use of context in the presentation of abstract work. The focus lies on the question how the mental context and the use of different narratives can influence the experience of the spectator towards the abstract (and empty) painting. Artistically this is an attempt to give social relevance to abstract paintings - and at the same time it is a research on the level of 'autonomy' of abstract work. Toon Leën is a painter and video-artist and combines these two media for this research.

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Project website

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  • Research Project

Scientific mission in visual communication. 01/10/2009 - 30/09/2010

Abstract

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  • Research Project

Developing a more visual and multimodal methodology for decoding web sites as social and cultural resources. 01/01/2007 - 31/12/2010

Abstract

The project aims to develop a more culturally adapted multimodal analysis of web sites as one of the more hybrid formats and faces of the internet. Such a tool will allow social and cultural scientists to further decode and explore the internet as a rich cultural data source and it also will allow them to become more culturally savy and expressive when using the web as a medium for science communications.

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  • Research Project

Poverty in the Belgian Press (1980-2003) : the Representation of the Poor within an Individual or a Social Responsibility Model ? 01/01/2005 - 31/12/2007

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  • Research Project

Invigorating scientific and social aspects of film and image culture in Antwerp and Flanders. 01/01/2004 - 31/12/2007

Abstract

This project aims to continue and further develop the current 'Film and Image Culture in Antwerp and Flanders' project (PA-UA 2003-2005) which was set up to stimulate academic education and research in this domain and to invigorate ways of cooperation among different scientific, cultural and artistic institutions in the area. The core activity comprises conducting and further developing the highly successful Master Program in Film Studies and Image Culture, which is to date a unique offering in Flanders. Also further effort will be put in the cultivation of different research lines that will explore the visual both in fundamental and more applied ways. Scientific and cultural events (conferences, exhibitions, workshops and festivals) will be developed to further connect to various specialised and lay audiences.

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  • Research Project

Research into the covering of newcomers in the written media. 15/10/2003 - 15/12/2003

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  • Research Project

Visual methodes and techniques in empirical social and cultural research. A taxonomic-methodological study. 01/01/2003 - 31/12/2004

Abstract

This project aims to offer an encompassing and up to date theoretical and methodological framework for the use of visuals in social and cultural scientific research. It will be accomplished by performing a taxonomic study of current and potential research approaches as well as by developing an integrated model for deciding how and when to apply certain techniques. The project will take into account current evolutions in theory and visual production techniques as well as build upon the rich but highly dispersed traditions of visual social science.

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  • Research Project

Transnational public spheres on line: the usage of electronic communication networks among migrants 01/01/2001 - 31/12/2002

Abstract

This explorative international research envisages the development of a research network on the complex probleme of access and usage of electronic media in relation to ethnic and/or cultural minorities and nations. An inventory will be made of (non)existing resources, data and expertise and through workshops the first outlines of this topic will be shaped. All this will be used to write several project proposals for the 5th framework programme.

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    • Research Project

    New Media Technologies en Representational Practices en Research and in Science Communication: Epistemological and Methodological Implications. 01/01/2001 - 31/12/2002

    Abstract

    This proposal envisions the start up of new line of research that will focus on the complex impact of (new) media technologies and representational practices on scientific data gathering and scholarly communication. A first two-year project as outlined in this proposal encompasses an exploration of the current - appropriate and less appropriate - and potential uses of new media and forms of data representation in scientific research and scholarly communication, aimed at producing a typology of uses and practices each with their implicit or explicit assumptions, merits and drawbacks. Building on this body of kwowledge the focus will then move to the development of scientifically informed methodologies and analytical approaches for the production and decoding of hybrid media such as the Internet and stand-alone AV- and multimedia applications.

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      • Research Project