In physics, diffraction is described as a wave that deviates or spreads when it encounters an obstacle or an opening.
In feminist epistemologies diffraction becomes a powerful methodological metaphor for understanding how differences are entangled and mutually shaped. Karen River Barad proposes diffraction as a way to queer binary differences; a way of observing how they are constituted through relations, asking which differences matter, how do they matter, and for whom.
Diffractive Methodologies is an invitation to understand creativity as a situated, affective, and relational practice, formed by stories, materials, bodies, politics, and technologies. To diffract creative practices is to think and make from within cracks, overflows, and resonances, to create from entanglement, to explore what emerges when we stop seeking certainties and start attending to echoes.
This seminar is facilitated and coordinated by Eina Obra with the collaboration and support of SIT-PLU.
→ Download all the information
The seminar is aimed at people involved in creative and critical practices, whether in design, art, research-creation, activism, philosophy, education, social sciences, or other intersecting areas.
Creativity, Art, Design, Philosophy, Quantum Physics, Research.
Format (5 sessions - 4h each one). Each session is structured in two parts:
_Theoretical diffractive provocation led by Karen River Barad (2 hours)
Instead of a lecture-style class, each session will open with a quote, poem, or passage; or with an object, practice, material, or gesture that interacts with the session's theme. The theoretical framework will emerge as a response. In this way, theoretical ideas will be approached as working materials—like paint or clay—: malleable, situated, and alive in practice.
Working session led by an invited guest (2 hours)
Practical session dedicated to connecting theoretical provocation with the participants' own practices.
Day 1 - Diffractive reading
December 1
from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Karen River Barad / Blanca Pujals
Day 2 - Diffractive cuts
December 2
from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Karen River Barad / Pep Vidal
Day 3 - Diffractive research
December 3
from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Karen River Barad / Silvia Zayas
Day 4 - Diffractive creativity
December 4
from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Karen River Barad / Pilar Cortada / Pep Vidal
Day 5 - Applying diffractive methodologies to contemporary practice. The last two hours will be open to the public.
December 5
from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Karen River Barad / Pep Vidal
Karen River Barad: PhD in Quantum Physics and Philosophy, one of the leading voices in material feminism and new materialisms. Introduces agential realism, merging quantum physics and feminist theory to rethink matter, knowledge and ethics.
Blanca Pujals: Architect, filmmaker, spatial researcher, and Doctor of Philosophy. Her transdisciplinary practice addresses the political and material dimensions of contemporary techno-scientific infrastructures, the geographies of power over bodies and territories, and the geopolitics of materials.
Silvia Zayas: Artist and researcher, Doctor of Arts and Humanities. Her practice lies at the intersection of the performing arts, video, and choreography.
Pep Vidal: Artist and scientist. PhD in Physics, through his practice, he seeks a formula to understand the reality of nature, from an ecological and scientific perspective.
Pilar Cortada: Eina Obra director and PhD in Philosophy, her research focuses on creativity as a relational, situated and distributed process.
There are two ways to complete the payment:
Online or via bank transfer.
Program price: €350
If you are interested in this course, please fill out this form.
Discounts
As a member of the Eina community, you are eligible for a 15% discount.
Scholarships
This seminar has a talent program in which SIT-PLU offers 5 scholarships. To apply, fill out the following registration form.
Scolarships will be awarded based on academic criteria and the financial resources available to applicants.
The registration period is open until November 9, 2025. On November 14, all applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application.
If you have any questions, please contact us by email at eina.obra@eina.cat
The program includes work-life balance measures. Those who need to balance their attendance with caring for dependents (children, elderly people, or others) will have access to a care service and care space during session hours. This support aims to facilitate the full participation of all interested parties, ensuring that caregiving responsibilities—whether family or community-based—are not an obstacle to learning and creativity.