ABOUT
The SEETHINK Lab is an interdisciplinary research initiative founded by Patricia von Ah, dedicated to exploring phenomenological experiences and the influences of optical observation, particularly through the lens of pivotal technical advancement in scientific and artistic photography.
Its mission revolves around the investigation of what we see, and once we see it, how it influences us. Focusing on singular moments within the evolution of the photographic image, the Lab emphasizes the exploration of how seeing and thinking can assist future generations in processing, enhancing, and sparking new experiences.
SEETHINK LAB OBJECTIVES
Objective 1: Establish and maintain the The Zero Baseline of Photography. The research on specific aspects of the human experience of seeing and thinking is conducted by exclusively using the collection of first photographs.
Objective 2: Conducting qualitative research on the experience of seeing and thinking. Four theoretical pillars provide the basis for the experiential research formats on which to stand and observe the photograph from. Exploring how the phenomenological experience of observing first photographs differs across scientific and artistic contexts.
Objective 3: Preserve, provide, and distribute curated photographic evidence of the origins and development of scientific and artistic photography as a source of information, education, and inspiration for generations of today and tomorrow.
SEETHINK Lab - founded by Patricia von Ah
Patricia von Ah, an internationally recognized visual media artist, photographer, and filmmaker, founded the lab following the completion of her master’s thesis in Visual Communication and Iconic Research in 2021. Her work focuses on phenomenological experiences, delving into the effects of technological advancements in photography—both scientific and artistic—raising questions about technology’s role in shaping our visual world. Her research aims to unravel how visual experiences influence us and explores ways in which seeing and thinking can create new experiences for future generations.
LINK TO ASSOCIATED WEBSITES
Film & Photography: patriciavonah.com
Archive: patriciavonah-archive.com
Artistic Practice: patriciavonah-editions.com
Instagram: @patriciavonah
ABOUT SEEING AND THINKING
Why is the picture not in the box?
One day I was photographing my five year old niece with an analogue film camera. After a few minutes she ran over to me and said, “show me the pictures”. I told her that “they are still in the box”. I had her look through the lens and take a few pictures herself. I explained that she will not be able to see them until they are developed. There was no patience for this and she continued to insist that I show her the pictures. For my niece, taking a photograph meant that the camera instantly displayed its contents. Once the film was developed, I showed her the contact sheet. We sat for a while, looking at the pictures and talking. She noticed details about her dress, her facial expressions and remembered how she looked through the lens taking pictures of me. By taking time to look at the photographs in retrospective her experience had changed. She noticed details that otherwise might have been missed. I discovered then, that taking time to see and think had provided an essential value for the way my niece experienced the photographs.
JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY
Selected pages from the research process
