Creativity Summary 7

Kelsey Best

Digital Creativity

Summary 6.1

Doing and Disseminating Visual Research:

Visual Arts-Based Approaches

           

 This article takes a look at different forms of visual research and the ways in which art-based approaches can support it. It uses three art forms – installation art, film and video art – as models for these approaches. These mediums allow for multiple perspectives and opportunities for specific understandings to present themselves to the viewer.

Concepts:

-       Providing opportunities for relational understandings

-       Theorizing art practice as research

-       “Artistic Research” expressing experimental knowledge instead of expert knowledge

-       Different methodological approaches for using the arts in educational research

Example:

            I enjoyed the example of Willie Doherty’s art installation piece titled Same Difference, because it worked well in illustrating the author’s point about generating empathetic understanding in the viewer. It allows the viewer to experience a taste of something they have not experienced first hand. The physical space that the viewer occupies while viewing the installation is a representation of their multiple vantage point position.

Position:

            I found this article helpful because I’ve always had a harder time connecting with digital media, but now I have a better vocabulary for describing what it is I see when viewing a video piece. I think the author was successful in communicating the similarities between visual research and the art making process by showing us examples such as Presentation Sisters by Tacita Dean and Same Difference by Willie Doherty.  The learning that takes place while viewing works like these turns them into tools for visual research on any abstract idea.

Question:

-       What are some examples of visual research taking place in other types of art media, such as sculpture or ceramics?