Episode 22. The 2020 Sight & Sound Poll + Kevin B. Lee
Jan 18, 2021
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In this podcast, they discuss the 2020 Sight & Sound poll of the year's best video essays, the process of curating the poll, the power and potential of video essays in provoking deeper engagement, exploring subjective experiences through the video essay form, cross-media publishing and critical engagement, the practicality and utility of video essays, and the changing landscape of academic research. They also delve into the upcoming revisions and mentorship in the innovative new master's program in video essaying at Merz Akademie in Stuttgart, Germany.
Kevin B. Lee discusses the interdisciplinary nature of the master's program at Merz Academy in Germany, focusing on critical engagement with content and designing interrogative approaches to media.
The master's program at Merz Academy aims to bridge the gap between artistic practice and research, facilitating deeper engagements with subjects through various media forms, not limited to video essays.
Self-designed careers are seen as more fulfilling and successful, with traditional job paths often lacking fulfillment and monetary rewards.
Deep dives
The Introduction of Cross-Media Publishing at Merz Academy in Germany
Kevin Bead Lee discusses his journey to Germany and his role as a professor of cross-media publishing at Merz Academy. He highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the school and the emphasis on critical engagement with content. Kevin explains that the curriculum focuses on exploring topics of interest, storytelling, and designing interrogative approaches to media. He discusses the potential of video essays as a means of deep exploration and criticality in various media practices.
Developing a Masters Program in Creative Research
Kevin Bead Lee is in the process of developing a master's program at Merz Academy focused on creative research. He describes the intersection of artistic practice and research in the program, emphasizing the importance of content creation and critical engagement. Kevin also explains the goal of facilitating deeper and more fulfilling engagements with subjects of interest through various media forms, not limited to video essays. He discusses the interplay between traditional disciplinary principles and cross-media exploration in this dynamic program.
Practice Research and the Value of Artistic Exploration
The concept of practice research is discussed, with Kevin Bead Lee reflecting on his own experiences. He explains that the program at Merz Academy encourages students to explore research topics through creative means, bridging the gap between artistic practice and academia. Kevin highlights the opportunities and affordances available in different moments in history, such as utilizing platforms like YouTube for video essay practice. He also addresses the balance between artistic research, content creation, and professional application, allowing students to engage with their subjects deeply and critically.
Emphasizing the importance of self-designed careers
One of the key points discussed in the podcast is the significance of self-designed careers. The speaker shares that their most fulfilling and successful career options have been ones that they have devised themselves. They believe that traditional job paths are often less fulfilling and monetarily rewarding. They encourage students to explore this approach and design their own careers, highlighting the importance of personal fulfillment and the potential for new and innovative opportunities.
Exploring the role of video essays in academia
The podcast delves into the role of video essays in academia and artistic research. The speaker discusses how video essays provide a platform for exploration and discovery, emphasizing the importance of the exploratory approach over the explanatory one. They highlight the accessibility of video essay creation, stressing that as long as one has basic access to technology and editing software, they can create meaningful content. The podcast also touches on the benefits of personal mentorship and the power of collaboration in enhancing the video essay practice.
Fostering critical thinking and experience design
The podcast explores the gaps in academia and discusses the importance of engaging in critical thinking and experience design. The speaker challenges traditional teaching methods, specifically the frontal presentation model, highlighting its limitations in engaging students. They advocate for a more conversational and interactive approach to learning, promoting critical comparisons, evaluations, and personal experiences. The speaker also discusses the significance of designing media experiences that reconnect individuals to humanness, promoting responsible and conscientious approaches to artistic research.
Today's show is (in part) dedicated to the 2020 Sight & Sound poll of the year's best video essays. Will is joined by the co-curators of the poll, Cydnii Wilde Harris, Grace Lee, and Ariel Avissar to discuss what it was like putting the poll together in the year of quarantine. The episode also features commentary from Oswald Iten, Kevin B. Lee, Shannon Strucci, Thomas Flight, and Scout Tafoya, who provide short audio reflections that expand upon their own selections in the year's poll. Finally, Will talks with Kevin B. Lee about an innovate new master's program he is starting at Merz Akademie in Stuttgart, Germany. Kevin talks about his plans for the program and the future of video essays.
