Check out our the new blogpost from ARTiFAB project where John Collingswood discusses his inspiration for this collaboration – Reclaiming the self-portrait! The project is an inspiring reminder of art’s evolving role in society. By blending past and present, he illustrates that self-expression through images can be more than a fleeting moment on social media. Instead, it can become a powerful medium for self-discovery, storytelling, and even social commentary.

In the hands-on Digital Fabrication sessions, participants will explore themes of identity and self-expression by creating layered lightboxes that bring their selfies to life. Guided through the creative process, they’ll transform a self-portrait into a layered stencil design using Inkscape, prepare it for laser cutting, and finally assemble the lightbox with simple electronics to illuminate the work. Whether participants are interested in digital design, storytelling, or art, this workshop offers a unique blend of technology and personal expression—perfect for anyone looking to capture themselves in a whole new light!

Reclaiming the Self-Portrait: Artistic Vision from the Rooftops of Budapest

We had an awesome time in this Critical ChangeLab workshop at University of Oulu, exploring how digital fabrication, creative freedom, and meaningful discussions can inspire young people to use art as a vehicle for change. As participants left FabLab Oulu with their new activism artefacts, we hope that they also took with them the confidence to express themselves and the knowledge that even the smallest acts of activism can make a difference.

👉Read the blog post on the project website what I wrote about our experiences, and explore the process, methods, and key takeaways to see how these young people are shaping the future, one conversation at a time

Exploring Everyday Democracy: Experiences from Oulu, Finland

Interact research group was again present this year at Researchers night Oulu! In our “Digital technology from many angles” session, participants could learn about the development work of smart technology. They were invited to try out programming, modeling, drafting,  inventing new product ideas and testing. In the workshop, concrete activities included block programming, 3D modelling, assessing AI art, visualizing data, and interacting with a Nao Robot.

We also got a chance to engage with the visitors concerning the projects currently running in the research group through posters, and through a slideshow running on the screen. The projects included for example for Critical Changelab, ARTiFAB and Futuprota.

This year the event was visited by about 3000 visitors! Read more from the university website at: https://www.oulu.fi/fi/tapahtumat/tutkijoiden-yo

We are excited to announce that for our first artist collaboration ARTiFAB project at University of Oulu partnered with British artist John Collingswood. Together we designed workshops for local youth that fuse portrait photography, stencil graffiti, and light art, exploring identity through light boxes. The workshops begin in Fall 2024, leading to an exhibit during Lumo Light Festival the following year.

Read more from the project blog:

Exploring Identity Through Light Art: John Collingswood Collaboration