ACADEMIC WORK

 

NON RECOGNIZABLE PATTERN (2015)

Facial recognition systems are increasingly embedded into everyday artifacts. This article examines how they operate based on preset patterns and algorithms, as well as their utility for corporate and state interests. Further-more, this work sustains the critical argument of “No recognizable pattern”, a photo series that envisages alternative digital identities, through ‘cyborg imagery’, in order to generate untraceable biometric templates to outwit surveillance methods that expand in the current technological environment.

DOI:​ ​https://doi.org/10.18272/posts.v2i1.813

Periodismo emprendedor y transmedia en Ecuador: Un estudio etnográfico de GK y La Posta (2018)

Entrepreneurial and transmedia journalism in Ecuador: An ethnographic study of GK and La Posta

Ecuadorian journalism is undergoing a transformation process. In this context, innovation is led by entrepreneurial journalists. These journalists see themselves as democracy watchdogs, but at the same time they redefine their practice in response to social media and news consumption trends. This represents a significant challenge for editorial independence and the creation of sustainable business models. As Rafter (2016) points out, this debate emerges from the crisis of conventional business models in media outlets. Hence, “with the (re) emergence of entrepreneurialism in journalism we increasingly see content producers and distributors acting as revenue generators. One consequence is a challenge to these traditional normative demarcations with, as yet, unclear consequences.” (p. 140)

In this context, GK and La Posta, two native digital media based in Ecuador, are part of “a brave new digital journalism in Latin America” (Salaverría et al, 2018) alongside Chequeado (Argentina), Ojo Público (Perú), La Silla Vacía (Colombia), Nómada (Guatemala), among other projects in the region. These media platforms are not only covering stories out of the radar of legacy media companies, but are also building profitable brands. However in some cases their links to corporate or political agendas, entail ethical issues that need to be discussed. Therefore, this article tackles these issues and reflects on journalism innovation in Ecuador. It analyzes the case of GK and La Posta, through the lens of entrepreneurial journalism. This ethnographic study examines the journalists’ professional motivations, and the structure and organization of their editorial agenda. The debate extends to media independence, funding, and other challenges for contemporary journalism in the region. Thus, it presents the changes and continuities in local journalism, considering the influence of entrepreneurship and technology

DOI:​ ​https://doi.org/10.18272/pd.v2i0.1341

El Sonido Postlatino: Producción musical e identidades en transformación en la era post-digital en Ecuador (2018)

The Postlatin Sound: Music production and shifting identities in the post-digital era in Ecuador

In the last five years, local musicians and producers have turned their gaze towards Ecuadorian and regional traditional sounds. This article explores the cultural tensions of contemporary music production in this country, and the post-digital aesthetics. At the same time, it discusses the dialogue in music production between the traditional and contemporary sounds, the global and local flows, and the analogue and digital technologies. In addition, this study aims to deconstruct production and composition processes of various songs, as well as the discursive construction of this music. In this context, the podcast “Postlatino” becomes an important element in the research process.

DOI: ​https://doi.org/10.18272/posts.v4i1.1315

 

CREATIVE PROJECTS list

 

Creative and communications strategist (2010 -

Communication consulting and strategic planning for cultural and social projects. I have been in charge of projects such as the communications management for Festival El Carpazo (2016 y 2017) and promotional strategies and management for the music agency La Cumbre (Ara Malikian - Royal Garage World Tour / Cuarteto de Nos at Teatro Sucre / Nanpa Básico at El Teleférico / Camilo VII en at Teatro México / Guardarraya at Teatro Capitol). I have also contributed as an advisor to youth music organisations and emerging artists in Ecuador.

Additionally, I have designed crowdfunding campaigns, public relations and communication strategies for the Kara Solar Foundation, and consulting for Fundación Aliados, Weaving Ties y y ALDEA (Asociación Latinoamericana para el Desarrollo Alternativo)

Postlatino - PRODUCER
(2015 - 2017)

HILO NEGRO -
CO- FOUNDER
(2012 - 2014)

Hilonegro.org. was a non-profit organization composed of independent cultural managers, with the aim of enhancing collaboration networks in the cultural sector at the national and international levels. During this time, we produced materials for musicians and academic spaces, organized events for the exchange of experiences in cultural management, and conducted studies on cultural markets. Additionally, we organised concerts with local and foreign artists in collaboration with other music promoters.

Radio cocoa - director
(2010 - 2014)

Radio COCOA started as an online college radio station and has since evolved into a dynamic multimedia platform, spotlighting emerging artists in Ecuador and Latin America. In my capacity as Director, I developed the content strategy and concept for the project, overseeing the production and editing of dozens of videocasts, videoclips, and live music sessions