Research Activity - December 2017
Arese Visconti Presents at University of Westminster Annual Research Symposium
On Friday December the 14th, Francesco Arese Visconti presented at the Annual Research Symposium at the University of Westminster his work in progress of his doctoral project “GENUS — Generational shifts - Italian migrants in Switzerland after World War II.”
Through the case study of recent Italian migrants in Switzerland, the aim of this presentation was to show part of a new photographic documentation on an ethnical group which went through the process of migration and the transformation of the cultural identity of individuals and their relationship with the new space. The images reflect on issues related to identity formation as a continuing never-ending experience and the sense of belonging to a space which becomes a known place as a consequence of integration.
As indicated by Richard Lang and Maurice Merleau-Ponty, incorporation is the act through which the body assimilates a foreign space and makes it familiar. Our identity is influenced by the environment in which we live. How much can we incorporate of that context? How much of the new space do migrants incorporate after years of residency?
In his book “Photography: The Key Concepts,” David Bate highlights the five elements which identify a portrait: expression (face), pose, background, clothing and props. The photographic-based research “GENUS” investigates how the first three points can be related to the sense of belonging of the migrant to a place. The purpose of the photographic images is to stimulate the beholder’s mirror neurons through the carefree inactivity and the frontal position of the models, and the use of light in a specific context to recall Italian Renaissance portraiture. The Other is called to actively participate to the Italian migrant’s experience and live a personal process of identity transformation.
Glaveanu Published in Journal of Creative Behavior
Dr. Vlad Glaveanu has published an invited article titled “A culture-inclusive, socially engaged agenda for creativity research” in the Journal of Creative Behavior (December 2017). The JCB is the oldest and one of the most prestigious journals in the area of creativity research. The special edition this paper contributed to celebrates its 50th anniversary by reflecting on past, current and future developments in the field. The special issue was called “50 Years of the Journal of Creative Behavior: Perspectives from Leading Creativity Researchers” and included reflections from eminent researchers in the psychology of creativity, innovation, and imagination. Dr. Glaveanu’s article considered the role played by culture and society within the creative process and argued for a socially engaging research agenda, one that fosters kinds of creative action aimed at cultural renewal and the transformation of social life.
Indjikian Appears on Dukaskopy TV
Dr. Rouben Indjikian appeared on Dukascopy TV, Geneva to speak about global energy, the oil market and the importance of maintaining commodity services in Switzerland: