Past event

Rutger Emmelkamp: Ways In, Ways Out: Exploring Emic and Etic Perspectives Through Experimental Film

Rutger Emmelkamp will explore the concepts of emic and etic perspectives—the insider's and outsider's viewpoints—through two short experimental films. Drawing from his practice at KNOCKvologan Studio on the Isle of Mull, Rutger will showcase the films as a reflection of his ongoing engagement with the landscape and culture of the region. These films offer a sensory and immersive portrayal of the rural environment, while raising questions about belonging, identity, and the role of the artist in understanding place.

Through the emic lens, Rutger will discuss how living and working on the Isle of Mull has shaped his understanding of its complex histories and ecosystems. In contrast, he will examine the value of the etic perspective, where an outsider's distance provides a fresh look at the familiar. This dual approach prompts critical reflection on how we experience and represent the world around us—whether as locals deeply embedded in a place, or as newcomers encountering it with curiosity and detachment.

The lecture will include a discussion on the importance of balancing both perspectives in creative practice and how these viewpoints can reveal previously hidden aspects of a place. Rutger will also share insights from KNOCKvologan's artist residency program, where artists from diverse disciplines engage with the unique landscape, often blending emic and etic perspectives to generate new narratives and collaborations.

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