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Through the Lens of Power: An Arts‐Based Exploration of Power Relations with Young People in Dublin
Author(s) -
Whelan Fiona
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international journal of art and design education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.312
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 1476-8070
pISSN - 1476-8062
DOI - 10.1111/jade.12211
Subject(s) - dialogical self , power (physics) , sociology , construct (python library) , underpinning , power structure , the arts , subject (documents) , public relations , psychology , visual arts , social psychology , political science , ethnography , engineering , computer science , art , physics , civil engineering , quantum mechanics , library science , anthropology , programming language
Artist Fiona Whelan's fourteen‐year collaborative practice with Rialto Youth Project presents a dialogical approach to engaging young people and adults over time in a creative, critical examination of power relations at a personal, community and societal level. This article outlines the collective approach underpinning a durational, iterative project (2007–11) that negotiated new and established methodological approaches, in order to construct horizontal working relations with young people to visualise, diffuse and challenge existing power structures. Focusing on two public manifestations which brought together young people and police in untypical encounters, the article outlines two forms of relational power that are experienced in the private and public processes that underpinned this collective practice: a form of relational power that articulates inequalities between those who exercise power and those who are subject to power, and another whereby power is co‐produced through collaboration. Specific features of the practice that contribute to the emergence of this relational power are subsequently outlined. This includes an approach to gathering anonymous stories, which are collectivised into poly‐vocal public manifestations, where the two forms of relational power converge in public.