PhD graduate Jody Haines: Sites of Indigenous resistance and connection through photography

Jody took on a practice-led approach to her PhD, using photography and lens-based media to create sites of resistance and connection in public, community and colonial spaces.

Jody explained that this involved the exploration of collaborative image making with others, including humans, the more-than-human, Country and herself.

Central to Jody’s research is Indigenous Ontology and ways of Knowing, Being and Doing.

“For me, it was important to create and write in a way that didn’t privilege the western canon or western concepts of knowledge or western ways of making,” said Jody.

“Instead, I wanted to deliberately place Indigenous Ontology as the central location for knowledge creation in my work, not as an add on or ‘othered’ approach.”

Portrait of woman staring at camera in front of a black background.

Indigenous Ontology is central to Jody's research.

Jody explained that Indigenous relational knowledges predates many of the theories that are privileged and taught in universities.

“By centering Indigenous Ontology, we can write in ways that privilege storytelling and theorise through relationships and relational approaches.”

“I hope my research provides a small example for others, that thinking through research differently is achievable.”

Post her PhD, Jody is looking forward to continuing on her art practice in galleries and public spaces and testing ideas and theories along the way.

She expressed gratitude to her supervisors for guiding and challenging her throughout her PhD journey.

“What I truly appreciate is they were there for the full journey, kept me rigorous and accountable, and listened and supported every step of the way.”

29 April 2025

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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