In Between Patterns of Belonging

artistic component of my master's thesis
selfbound book-volume | 2024
supervisor: Arja Karhumaa | advisor: Niko Luoma
Aalto University, School of Arts, Design and Architecture

distribution of disciplines: photography: 48% | editorial: 28% | writing: 14% | research: 10%

The artistic component of my master’s thesis is a three-book volume. The documentary photobooks contain autoethnographic research material: interview snippets and documentary photography, from three ecovillage communities. The ecovillages that are part of the study are located in Finland and Germany. During the research, I focused and worked around four patterns that also separate the books into four chapters: access, communication, recharge, and impact. When analyzing the research material in the separate thesis document, factors that might contribute to feeling a sense of belonging become visible. However, in the end, this sense is always embedded in between a set of endless human and nonhuman relations. It is a complex sense that appeared to be visible, always only ever in between the chosen patterns.

When staying at the ecovillages, it was most inspiring to see ecovillage communities collaborating and working towards more sustainable ways of living. Many of the practices in the villages are inspired by old cultures that were prominent at their specific locations, but also by indigenous knowledges, for example: Native American ways of communication and shaman practices, such as sweat lodges.

I am deeply grateful to the ecovillages for enabling this study. Additionally, I am beyond grateful for the support of the advisor Niko Luoma and the supervisor Arja Karhumaa. As well as for the support of Pia-Parjanen Aaltonen and Eila Hietanen regarding the production process of the books.

The artistic component was exhibited at the VCD Graduation Show (June 2024) and at the Aalto Arts Student Show (September–October 2024), both at Aalto University.