Post-digital Epistemologies of the Photographic Image (PEPI)

The research project examines the truthfulness of the photographic image.

Introduction

The truthfulness of the photograph has long been one of the most debated issues in the photography. In current media society, it is still a questions which raises heated debates in the field of photo journalism, for example. 

PEPI consortium examines the epistemologies of the photographic image from three closely related perspectives. 

First, they will scrutinise the psychological processes by which people make judgements regarding the truthfulness of photographs. Second, they will concentrate on ‘fake news’ visuals and their reception. Third, they will address the question of the veracity of the photographic image in light of photographic aesthetics.

The consortium and researchers

The multidisciplinary consortium combines journalism/media studies, experimental psychology and artistic research. The consortium consist of the University of the Arts Helsinki (the Academy of Fine Arts), the University of Helsinki (Visual Cognition Research Group) and the Tampere University (COMET research centre). 

The principal investigator for the University of the Arts Helsinki’s sub project is professor Mika Elo from the Academy of Fine Arts. Post doc researcher Tuula Närhinen from the Academy of Fine Arts works in the project. The principal investigator for the whole project is Janne Seppänen from Tampere University. The research project is funded by the Academy of Finland (2019-2022).

Paradoxes of Photography

Paradoxes of Photography is an exhibition in The Finnish Museum of Photography (13.5.–28.8.2022) curated by professor Mika Elo. It is a part of the PEPI project.

The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on the expectations and concepts related to photography. The exhibition is a selection of research-based projects that challenge the idea of “the photographic”.

Check the details of the Paradoxes of Photography exhibition from The Finnish Museum of Photography website.

Contact information for the project

Project name

Post-digital Epistemologies of the Photographic Image (PEPI)

Time

01/2019-12/2022

Funder

Academy of Finland

Team

  • The principal investigator for the University of the Arts Helsinki’s sub project is professor Mika Elo from the Academy of Fine Arts.
  • Post doc researcher Tuula Närhinen from the Academy of Fine Arts works in the project.
  • The principal investigator for the whole project is Janne Seppänen from Tampere University.

Collaborators

The consortium consist of

  • University of the Arts Helsinki (the Academy of Fine Arts)
  • University of Helsinki (Visual Cognition Research Group)
  • Tampere University (COMET research centre)

Lead organisation

Tampere University

Find out more

PEPI project on Tampere University webpage