riitta_oittinen

Welcome!

I am a social historian (MA) from the University of Helsinki where I lectured for over ten years. I live in Brussels and share my time between research, science journalism, and projects that combine research and art. I am a partner in Data Harvest CO.

History from individual belonging up to supranational identity building interests me. I have written on definitions of professions, social history of handwork, vernacular culture and the use of visual material in history (finding, presenting, archiving, curating). Grass root designers’ work and ideas fascinate me.

My work often combines research with photography. I have been involved in the planning of exhibitions in museums, galleries and pop up spaces. Urban activism and social innovations have taken me to various countries.

My research, documentary photos and artwork have been published in journals, books, online and shown in group exhibitions (Belgium, Canada, China, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Italy, Netherlands, Singapore, USA).

At the moment I am studying therapeutic photographic techniques under the University of Turku. I am also working on a PhD dissertation on The Market for Quackery in Finland at the Beginning of the 20th Century (University of Helsinki). This work is on a slow burner.


You can see my list of publications here, and some of my projects here.

Memberships in professional associations


  • Finnish Composers’ Copyright Society (Teosto)
  • Finnish Association of Non-fiction Writers (Suomen tietokirjailijat)
  • Finnish Union of University Researchers and Teachers (Suomen tieteentekijöiden liitto)
  • Finnish Association of Science Editors and Journalist (Tiedetoimittajat)
  • Finnish Critics’ Association (Suomen arvostelijain liitto)