Bio
My name is Gabriel Pereira, and I am currently a PhD fellow at Aarhus University (Denmark). My main research interest are critical studies of data and algorithms. My PhD work focuses in understanding how computer vision algorithms mediate our relationship with the world, and what these mediations make possible (or impossible). In my research, so far, I have been drawing on STS, critical algorithm/infrastructure studies, platform/software studies, critical technical practice, and other related critical perspectives on technology.
My research methods are experimental and collaborative, involving both forms of qualitative research (e.g. ethnography) and different forms of practice-based inquiry (e.g. arts-based, interventionist). As part of my PhD work, I have worked to bridge these perspectives in interdisciplinary ways, including: researching specific applications of computer vision and how they construct specific imaginaries; creating artistic interventions that attempt to reimagine what computer vision could be; creating a conceptual framework that better explains the mediation of vision through computers.
Other work I’ve been doing includes: a series of arts-based public interventions and experiments designed to spark reflection about the underlying complexities of everyday digital media usage; APIs as elements of infrastructures that enable and shape the networking of urban data; rhetorical analysis of young people’s experiences of their social media usage; and research on WhatsApp disruptions in Brazil.
A lot of my research projects stem from different collaborations/affiliations. To mention a few:
- the Digital Aesthetics Research Center, the Centre for STS-Studies, and the Center for the Study of Technological, Emerging, and Ethical Methods at Aarhus University.
- the Digital Living Research Commons and Future Making Space, home to diverse projects on datafication and digitalization;
- the Center for Arts, Design, and Social Research, a global network of experimentation in arts and research.
- the Global Media, Technologies & Cultures Lab at MIT, headed by Prof. Lisa Parks, where I had the privilege of being a visiting Grad Student (2018-2019).
- the GAIA (AI and Art Research Group) at InovaUSP (University of São Paulo), coordinated by Bruno Moreschi and Giselle Beiguelman.
For more info, have a look at: some of my practice-based projects, read some of my writing, have a look at my talks/presentations, or just contact me via e-mail.