The risks of representation: Dilemmas and opportunities in art-based research

Abstract

This article presents an intersubjective exchange between three researchers who explore their understanding of the risks and rewards involved in utilizing art-based methods. Set within the structure of a triptych form, each author spontaneously created an image as a response to the theme, as well as to each other’s images. In this article, the images are understood to lead the words, with conceptualizations emerging, in part, from the visual forms. Various methodological dilemmas are discussed and illustrated drawing on examples from recent art-based studies undertaken by each researcher.