Creative Arts Research Articles

Co-creating a person-centered creative engagement intervention for Parkinson's care

BackgroundRecent research in the field of “Arts and Health” has demonstrated the beneficial impact of arts-based interventions on health and well-being across diverse populations. Recognizing their potential, especially in cases where conventional healthcare cannot address the multifaceted impact of conditions such as in Parkinson's disease (PD), our study advocates for an integrative approach in medical practice and neuroscience. We recommend incorporating learning environments from the design phase through long-term care. The arts offer a unique opportunity to create such environments. In this study, we specifically focus on individuals with PD, co-designing an intervention as a creative engagement learning environment and a PD-specific creative arts therapy. In this study, the narratives of those affected contribute as scientific knowledge, shaping care and increasing the intervention's relevance to participants' lives.MethodsWe used a participatory design-based research approach. Fourteen individuals with PD, along with three creative therapists and three researchers, collaborated through iterative design cycles to co-develop a creative arts therapy intervention. Qualitative data were collected through interviews, group reflections, and ethnographic observations. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThe co-creation process resulted in a 10-week creative engagement intervention delivered in a “creative playground” setting. Participants chose from multiple media and autonomously decided their creative activities. Guidance from the creative therapists was provided as needed to support individual engagement and guide reflection and learning processes. Narratives offered insights into the relevance of autonomy in care, the role of the arts, and the individuality of disease experience, resulting in seven key features of our intervention framework, which include (i) intervention structure (e.g., duration of the intervention and sessions), (ii) freedom in selection of creative media, (iii) environment as a creative playground, (iv) skills of creative therapists, (v) PD-specific considerations, (vi) financial considerations and logistics, and we list (vii) responsibilities of the Design Team.DiscussionThis study establishes an initial framework for a PD-specific creative arts therapy intervention designed as a creative engagement learning environment. Future research will focus on rigorously evaluating its effectiveness and exploring its scalability in diverse settings.

Ways to enhance the status of the Arabic language between authenticity and challenges

For linguists, language is a system of abstract phonetic, phonological, lexical, synthetic, semantic, and pragmatic relations, and a tool for communication and expression. It is knowledge, culture, literature, civilization, and behavior. Therefore, language is considered the pillar of the nation and an important foundation for its civilization that expresses its entity and culture. The Arabic language is one of the basic constants of the Arab and Islamic nation, as it is the symbol of its identity and the tool of its artistic creations, and a landmark of its intellectual and literary production. Thinking about the present and future of the Arabic language is one of the most important interests that attract elites among linguists, thinkers and writers, and is closely related to the sovereignty of the Arab-Islamic nation, its culture and thought. To achieve the goal, the research was divided into three sections. The first dealt with the definition of language, Arabic and its position, the second discussed the most important contemporary challenges, and the third dealt with ways to confront these challenges and enhance the position of Arabic with all means of support and capabilities. These methods include presenting case studies of educational reforms and language policies in Arabic-speaking countries, in addition to referring to modern technical and linguistic initiatives, and comparing with languages that have succeeded in adapting to globalization (such as Chinese). These measures will have a significant impact on enabling Arabic to attain the status it deserves, its authenticity and historical precedence. The practical results of the study target decision-makers, educators and language institutions, allowing them to develop policy and executive frameworks, update curricula, and employ digital tools to protect and modernize the Arabic language in a global context. Through these applicable recommendations, the status of Arabic can be consolidated and ensure that it remains authentic and renewed at the same time.

The Social Arts in War-Related Loss and Trauma: The Case of Israel

The social arts (SA) are a subfield of the participatory arts that integrate the arts and social practices. SA are defined as art created by socially engaged professionals, including artists, creative arts therapists, social workers, and/or others who collaborate with nonprofessionals. SA artists aim to raise awareness, kindle empathy, and instill hope while urging action. SA works are often created to increase public awareness, influence government policy, and process trauma and grief. This qualitative study describes and contextualizes eight SA works made in Israel in response to the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7th, 2023, and the hostage crisis in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war. The study also sought to explore the underlying meanings of these works through semiotic analysis. The semiotic analysis revealed recurring themes: the use of signifiers (for example, teddy bears and the figure of a woman) to signify innocence and vulnerability, unoccupied furniture (empty beds, dinner tables awaiting guests) to signify loss, and the use of yellow to signify solidarity and support. The SA works evoked grief, longing, and horror, but also camaraderie and resilience, thus reflecting the range of human experiences during the war. Future research recommendations include exploring the long-term impact of SA and, in particular, its role in encouraging healing, resilience, and hope within the context of conflict and loss.

3D plants: the impact of integrating science, design, and technology on high school student learning and interests in STEAM subjects and careers

STEAM education is an educational approach of interdisciplinary teaching of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. STEAM education, however, is often viewed as only including art elements into STEM teaching. Without true integration of the disciplines in STEAM curricula, students rarely are exposed to the connection among disciplines, and self-identify as solely scientists, artists, or technophiles. STEAM curricula also infrequently integrate design, which promotes creativity and innovation. Effective STEAM curriculum and practices are needed to prepare students to face 21st century challenges and work demands. We designed a high school STEAM educational module that integrated plant science, design, and emergent technologies through the creation of 3D models of plants and augmented and virtual reality (AVR) experiences and investigated its impact on students’ understanding of the intersection of art and design with science, learning and skills gains, and interests in STEAM subjects and careers. The module used a project-based learning approach that relied on student teamwork and facilitation by educators. In this 3D plant modeling module, students: (1) investigated plants under research at a plant science research center, (2) designed and created 3D models of those plants, (3) learned about the application of 3D modeling in AVR platforms, and (4) disseminated project results. We used qualitative and quantitative research methods both before and after the implementation of the model to assess the impact of the 3D modeling module. Student responses revealed that approximately half of the students had a good understanding of the intersection of art and design with science prior to the implementation of the module, while the other half gained this understanding after completing their projects. Students saw art and design playing a role in science mainly by facilitating communication and further understanding and fostering new ideas. They also reported that science influenced art and design through the artistic creation process. The most common learning gains were in plant science and 3D modeling, with 35% and 20% of the students reporting these themes only after completing their projects, respectively. The skill gains most cited were research, teamwork, and communication skills. Over 25% of the students reported these skill gains only after the completion of their projects. Paired comparisons of survey responses indicated a significant increase in students’ interest in science, mathematics, and design subjects after they completed their projects. At the end of the module, 40% of the students were more interested in STEAM careers. Another 13% of the students indicated they already had an interest in STEAM careers before beginning the module. Our findings indicate that our STEAM module effectively integrated science, art, design, and technology, enhancing student literacy in these fields, and providing students with essential 21st century skills. The module led to interdisciplinary learning and development of interest in STEAM subjects and careers. The combination of pedagogical strategies used in our module for active, collaborative, authentic, and meaningful learning exemplifies an effective STEAM curriculum with valuable instructional tools for educators, inspiring new ways of teaching and learning, contributing to the practice and applications in STEAM education.

A*tistic females’ network

The article presents the activities within the artistic project initiated in Lublin, Poland, taken by a group of autistic women and girls identifying themselves as a*tistic females. They navigated their experiences on the spectrum through artistic creation and by adopting the tools of contemporary visual art. This self-advocacy group used art for many purposes. They aimed to educate about the female experience of autism and break down stereotypes, among others. At the same time, they built a network of females looking for positive aspects of the autistic experience. The publicly presented outcomes of work in this network – collective exhibitions, along with the accompanying educational programme – were designed with inclusivity in mind and aimed at making everyone feel welcome and part of the discussion. The project has already led to two collective art exhibitions in different Polish cities and seeks to be continued and extended.

From genies performing magic to sages imparting wisdom: a value-centred survey of music AI user interfaces, creative affordances and artist objectives

There are, at present, multiple fronts of debate about the ethics of Commercial Creative AI (ComCAI) product development. The issues of copyright and the right to know the AI provenance of work are dominant and well-defined. Meanwhile, a significant area of debate is trickier to define and analyse, relating to ComCAI's impact on the intrinsic values and virtues of human creative endeavour. In this paper, I analyse this impact by surveying the emerging landscape of user interfaces (UIs) in the domain of commercial music AI products. I do this through a value-centred design lens, considering how it is possible to articulate intrinsic values in the arts. Specifically, I select two artistic objectives: the need for creative artists to create works that are differentiated from others; the need for deep cognitive creative engagement with the work being created. I ask how ComCAI UIs can enable these artistic objectives, first through a survey of UI types and their combination in products, second through user feature requests. This design analysis tentatively suggests that those ComCAI tools promising to support artists increasingly need to provide greater control, in order to satisfy their creative users, and this is focussed towards either simply allowing post-generation editing, or improving generative control, which is in tension with the opaque nature of the generative systems. I propose that a value-centred design approach that highlights values such as differentiation and creative engagement helps to identify under-explored design spaces which have the potential to make better music AI experiences.

Falling Back in Love with Trans-Inclusive Feminism: Canadian Creative Artists Re-Story Death and Choose Transformation

Falling Back in Love with Trans-Inclusive Feminism: Canadian Creative Artists Re-Story Death and Choose Transformation

Comparative Study Of Maryam's Storytelling In Ibn Kathir's Tafseer And Sibel Eraslan's Siret-i Meryem (Cennet Kadınların Sultanı)

This research aims to comparatively analyze the presentation of Maryam’s story in Tafsir Ibn Kathir and the novel by Sibel Eraslan, identifying their similarities and differences. The methodology employed is library research with a descriptive-analytical approach. Data analysis was conducted using comparative methods to evaluate the elements of characters, plot, setting, and narrative style. The findings indicate that Tafsir Ibn Kathir presents Maryam’s story based on authentic narrations with a scholarly approach emphasizing the accuracy of sources. Conversely, Sibel Eraslan’s novel incorporates fictional elements into the characters, plot, and setting, with a literary style aimed at evoking emotional responses from readers. Both share similarities in the core story of Maryam but differ in their narrative enrichments: Tafsir Ibn Kathir highlights scholarly and spiritual aspects, whereas Sibel Eraslan’s work offers emotional and aesthetic nuances. The implications of this study underscore the importance of understanding the boundaries between religious texts and creative interpretations in literary works. These findings contribute to the development of interdisciplinary studies between Qur'anic exegesis and contemporary literature, enriching the dialogue between scholarly traditions and creative arts.

A dialogue on trust in ethics processes for creative practice research education

Purpose Securing ethical approval can be a frustrating and opaque experience for some creative practice research students who may find the processes required of them not well suited to their specific inquiry. This can lead to an erosion of trust between students and their institutions. This paper aims to synthesize perspectives representing both creative practice research supervisors and Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) to develop recommendations for improving processes and supporting creative practice research training. Design/methodology/approach The authors used dialogical inquiry (Wells et al., 2021) to facilitate a dialogue between the authors, who represent different stakeholders in the ethical review process for creative arts research students. Focus topics for the dialogue were developed collaboratively based on existing literature. Findings Based on the dialogue, the authors make the following recommendations: frame ethics as part of project design alongside aims and methodology rather than as project logistics; structure ethics review processes to ensure ongoing engagement between research students and IRBs; and share exemplars and templates as part of research training. Additionally, the authors advocate for the need to create continuing opportunities for dialogue. Originality/value Previous work interrogating ethical review processes for creative practice research has adopted a clear position from either a creative practice researcher or an IRB member perspective. This dialogue facilitates a novel synthesis of these positions, ensuring the recommendations support the objectives of both IRBs and creative practice researchers.

Shadow puppetry therapy enhances dementia-related cognitive function and interpersonal relationship.

With the growing demand for dementia care, non-pharmacological interventions, such as creative arts therapies, have been proven effective in stabilizing cognitive function. Shadow Puppetry Therapy (SPT), which integrates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements, offers a promising care option for individuals with dementia. This study evaluated the effectiveness of SPT on cognitive function, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships among older adults with mild dementia. We adopted a quasi-experimental design and recruited 33 older adults with mild dementia from two dementia care centers. Older adults with mild dementia were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=18). The experimental group participated in a 16-week SPT program, and the control group engaged in regular activities, such as physical exercises, painting, cooking, music, and handicraft projects. Assessments included the short portable mental status questionnaire (SPMSQ), the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (RSES), and the interpersonal relationship scale, with evaluations conducted before and after the intervention. The intervention significantly improved cognitive function, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships in the experimental group. SPMSQ scores decreased, indicating enhanced cognitive function (p=.001), while self-esteem and interpersonal relationship scores showed significant improvements (p=.001). No significant changes were observed in the control group. SPT is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for enhancing cognitive function, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships in older adults with mild dementia. The findings support the integration of creative arts therapies into dementia care.

Application of Artificial Intelligence Virtual Image Technology in Photography Art Creation under Deep Learning

Application of Artificial Intelligence Virtual Image Technology in Photography Art Creation under Deep Learning

Mitos Manusia Super dalam Pieta dan The Death of Captain Marvel

The Pietà is a masterpiece in the world of sculpture by the renowned artist Michelangelo. Created more than five centuries ago (1497–1499), this work has often served as inspiration for artistic creations in later periods. In popular culture, the composition of the Pietà was once popularized and adapted for superhero comic book covers. Of the many comics, it is only in The Death of Captain Marvel (1982) by Jim Starlin that we find a strikingly similar likeness. This study examines the comparison between these two works and seeks to uncover the identity embedded within them. The Death of Captain Marvel exhibits intertextuality with the Pietà. In analyzing both, a shared identity emerges, encompassing name identity, origin identity, disguise identity, appearance identity (costume), strength identity, weakness identity, death identity, exposure identity, and resurrection identity.

RESEARCH ON THE KEY CONSTITUENT COMPOSITION OF ART WORKS - CONTEMPORARY TREND

From the perspective of art research and culture, this article analyzes the key significance of the composition of composition in contemporary art works, and carefully explores the innovation trends shown in form, functions and aesthetics in contemporary art situation. Through the in -depth interpretation of various contemporary art phenomena and works, it reveals how composition breaks through the traditional model with the influence of science and technology, the influence of social and cultural ideas, and the guidance of audience needs. Understand the essence of contemporary art creation and grasp its development direction to provide strong support.

THE EXPRESSION OF THE ARMENIAN PEOPLE AS THE CARRIER OF THE CHRISTIAN VALUE SYSTEM IN THE "METS MHER" BRANCH OF THE ARMENIAN FOLK EPIC

The Armenian epic embodies the collective consciousness and values of the people, which, transcending space and time, have been distilled to retain only what is true, valuable, and intrinsic to their identity. At the core of these moral principles lies the Christian value system, which has evolved over centuries to form a stable and enduring foundation. This system is prominently reflected throughout the Armenian epic, including its "Mets Mher" branch, illustrating that the Armenian People, as the earliest adopters of Christianity as a state religion, were the primary custodians of these Christian beliefs and values. In the Armenian epic, God is subtly present in all aspects of the Armenian people's lives. Their deep faith is reflected not only in the actions and events involving the heroes and the nation as a whole but also in their speech, behavior, and interpretations of various occurrences. The Armenian epic stands as one of humanity's most brilliant artistic creations, highlighting the essential characteristics of the Armenian people. Their Christian faith is an inseparable part of their worldview and understanding of life. Therefore, to foster national self-awareness in the younger generation, it is important to develop a special program for a deeper and more comprehensive study of the Armenian epic in modern schools.

Cultural-Historical Activity Theory in Examining Creative Arts as an Anti-Bullying Strategy in South African Public Schools

This article explores the integration of creative arts as an anti-bullying strategy in South African public schools through the lens of Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT). The study aims to comprehend the complex interactions between creative arts interventions, cultural contexts, and the dynamics of bullying. By applying CHAT, the research delves into the cultural significance of artistic expressions, shedding light on how these interventions act as cultural tools that mediate and transform the complexities of bullying within the South African educational landscape. This article employed a qualitative research methodology under desktop design, incorporating existing literature retrieved from reputable academic platforms such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, ResearchGate, and university repositories. The findings of this article reveal the nuanced ways in which creative arts interventions resonate within the cultural expectations of South African public schools, impacting social interactions, attitudes, and behaviours related to bullying. This article also highlights the historical and societal dimensions influencing the success of creative arts as an anti-bullying strategy, contributing to a holistic understanding of the dynamics at play. In conclusion, the article discusses the implications of the findings and underscores the significance of tailoring anti-bullying strategies to align with the cultural and historical nuances of South African public schools.This article explores the integration of creative arts as an anti-bullying strategy in South African public schools through the lens of Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT). The study aims to comprehend the complex interactions between creative arts interventions, cultural contexts, and the dynamics of bullying. By applying CHAT, the research delves into the cultural significance of artistic expressions, shedding light on how these interventions act as cultural tools that mediate and transform the complexities of bullying within the South African educational landscape. This article employed a qualitative research methodology under desktop design, incorporating existing literature retrieved from reputable academic platforms such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, ResearchGate, and university repositories. The findings of this article reveal the nuanced ways in which creative arts interventions resonate within the cultural expectations of South African public schools, impacting social interactions, attitudes, and behaviours related to bullying. This article also highlights the historical and societal dimensions influencing the success of creative arts as an anti-bullying strategy, contributing to a holistic understanding of the dynamics at play. In conclusion, the article discusses the implications of the findings and underscores the significance of tailoring anti-bullying strategies to align with the cultural and historical nuances of South African public schools.

Method of “detachment” in Leo Tolstoy’s trilogy “Detstvo”, “Otrochestvo”, “Yunost”

The article examines the method of “detachment” in Leo Tolstoy’s trilogy “Childhood”, “Boyhood” and “Youth” (“Detstvo”, “Otrochestvo” and “Yunost’”) as one of the theoretical concepts characteristic of Tolstoy’s entire creative work. This method first appeared in the works of Russian formalists R. Yakobson and V. Shklovsky who made their contributions to the literary theory. Their imagery system perception of a literary work is based on the conviction that in fiction language is removed from the ordinary automatic perception. As the formalists believe, the goal of art is to give a sense of a thing as vision, not as recognition. The creation of art should bring forth the truth about existence. This “emergence of truth” (a term coined by M. Heidegger) is conceivable only on the basis of creation, i.e., on the basis of the “making” of a literary work. Tolstoy’s “strange” perception of the material world and ordinary phenomena speaks not of recognition, but of sensitivity, when one sees a particular object or a phenomenon for the first time. The method of “detachment”, to which Tolstoy came through his own artistic sense, allows one to grasp the actual deep essence of ordinary objects and phenomena within the author’s conception of his work. Thus, an ordinary object (a flapper), seen by the author with a “strange” perception of things, provides the impetus for the formation of an artistic creation about the world of childhood, boy-hood and youth.

From National to International Song: Sevdalinka in Transition

With the disintegration of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the existence of different forms of Yugoslav identity, primarily cultural, as the most complex among them, ceased to exist, at least formally. The cause of this complexity should be sought in the intertwining of cultural identity with two other important collective identities, ethnic and national, whose already intricate nature is further complicated by their redefinition in the ex-Yugoslav space, both during the conflict (1991‒1995) and in the post-war era. The search for new collective identities – intended to provide the peoples of the former Yugoslavia, burdened with traumatic memories of the recent past and at the same time torn between the former ideology and emerging ones, with a sense of tranquility in newly created circumstances - is further complicated by their simultaneous efforts to cope with the sweeping changes in the world caused by the process of globalization. The states that emerged from the former Yugoslav republics are going through an uncertain period of transition in which they have to deal not only with numerous internal problems, but also to respond to numerous external demands. In spite of their fragmented political realities, these states remain closely connected, bound not only by a shared history but also by a common cultural heritage. A small yet significant part of this heritage is represented by sevdalinka, a song that embodies the intricate interplay of cultural, national and ethnic identities. These layers converge within sevdalinka, making it a distinctive reflection of the region's cultural complexity. Hence, in this paper sevdalinka will be presented during its ‒ from a historical point of view ‒ the shortest, but at the same time the most turbulent period of its long history, tracing all the transformations it has undergone over a little more than three decades while crossing the thorny path from a national to an international song, in order to be finally confirmed as a universal cultural and artistic creation.

Феномен Федора Панчука

Ukrainian fine art today is developing dynamically and confidently in all its diverse authorial expressions. The proposed investigation revealed a picture of the artist’s life and is dedicated to the study of the creative path of Fedor Panchuk, the definition of his role and place in the socio-cultural space of the modern Podolsk region. His creative, cultural, public, publishing and pedagogical activities are analyzed. The purpose of the work is to characterize the phenomenon of the art critic, artist, writer, public figure F. Panchuk. The research methodology is based on the application of culturological and axiological approaches, which involve the development of the study in the context of a general philosophical understanding of art and determine the consideration of F. Panchuk’s painting in close connection with the wealth of Ukrainian modern fine art. The scientific novelty lies in the fact that the features of the artist’s creative path are characterized: from primitivism to symbolism; from symbolism to avant-garde, which is based on both personal long-term experience and the tasks of fine art itself. Based on the biographical method, the role of F. Panchuk in the formation of the art of the Podillya region and art education in particular was clarified. In the process of research, the authors came to the conclusion that the phenomenon of F. Panchuk is an organic synthesis of professional artistic creativity, cultural and public work, writing and pedagogical activity. Talent and constant work on oneself in the comprehensiveness of the earthly attraction of his native land became factors of creative evolution and formed him as a person - a citizen - an artist. Acquaintance with the creative work of Fedor Panchuk gave grounds to assert that the source of energy of this unique person is human sincerity, unquenchable strength and love for his native Podillіa, Ukrainian folk art, and pedagogical activity.

Анатомический символизм в картинах эпохи Возрождения: социологический аспект

The article delves into the analysis of paintings by Renaissance artists with regard to the possible symbolic representation of human body parts and organs, as well as the artistic conveyance of their forms and color palettes. As a means of non-verbal communication, Fine Art uses painting’s visual images for creation an aesthetic reaction, conveying information about the human body and being. The perception of artistic creations, images occur through the construction of subjective semantic spaces. The author examines Fine Art through the lens of sociological theories, specifically symbolic interactionism and Niklas Luhmann’s social systems theory, which equates communication with society. Artistic creativity is a tool for the symbolic transmission of images of anatomical body forms, that are contained in the Renaissance art creations. Artistic images in specific paintings, canvases and frescoes are discussed in analogy with their anatomical forms of the human body.

POET'S CONSCIOUSNESS ABOUT FEMALE MARGINALIZATION : A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON KAVSILUMINA AND SEEGIRI GRAFFITI

The excellence of any art form is determined by the extent to which it embodies universal values. Whether in ancient or classical art, assessing present-day significance relies on advanced critical benchmarks. Examining artistic creations through the lens of their attitude toward women enables an evaluation of how well such works reflect and uphold the value of humanity. This research focuses on a comparative analysis of the poet, the Second Parakumba's Kavsilumina and 686 verses from the Sigiri poetry, investigating the cognitive perception surrounding the marginalization of women. The objective is to explore whether the poet engages in the marginalization of women and, if so, how this aligns with their perspective on women. The research question revolves around whether Kavsilumina and Sigiri poetry collectively foster an androcentric worldview. A comparative analytical methodology was adopted, incorporating both inductive and deductive approaches. The findings revealed a clear contradiction in how Sigiri poetry handles the marginalization of women, showing strong evidence of criticism and opposition. In contrast, Kavsilumina was concluded to overtly marginalize women. While the Sigiri poetry, predating Kavsilumina, critiques patriarchal narratives in an ironic and artistic manner, Kavsilumina more explicitly promotes such narratives. As the conclusion, Sigiri poetry emerged as being definitively opposed to marginalization, demonstrating a highly conscientious poetic philosophy, whereas Kavsilumina frequently objectifies women. The cognitive awareness of the Sigiri poets regarding the marginalization of women is considerably higher compared to the poet, the Second Parakumba, who authored Kavsilumina.