Art Research Research Articles

Contested spaces as spectacles

ABSTRACT This article discusses the role of scenographic methodologies in revisiting spaces associated with political conflict and trauma. In doing so, the author presents her artistic research and design process behind the art installation ‘Spectators in a Ghost City’, the exhibition of the Cyprus National participation in the Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space 2023 which places the occupied city of Famagusta, abandoned since 1974, as a contested-space-becoming-spectacle. The author describes how analysing the space through a scenographic lens allows a close examination of the city’s materiality and how this, in turn, becomes the source for artistic creation. Focusing on the scenographic process of scaling down, sculptural maquettes and portable models in walking practices are approached as symbolic objects for communicating issues on displacement, space politics, surveillance and agency. In that sense, scenographic methodologies are discussed as thinking processes, a political act of resistance, and a tool for negotiating artistic practices and real spaces of conflict. This process is defined as ‘scenography reversed’, where a real place becomes a dramatised scene, allowing alternative understandings that expand beyond hegemonic narratives. The article places Famagusta as a paradigm of contested spaces and questions whether scenographic methodologies can be a possible approach to reconciliation and conflict resolution.

PARADIGMS OF RESEARCH IN HYBRID ARTISTIC PRACTICES

The context in which artistic practices are developed today requires a constant preoccupation with the challenges and commitments of artistic research, an intrinsic condition of these endeavors. Artistic research supports many points of coincidence, interaction, or overlap with the principles of scientific research, although they are characterized by a series of specific parameters. Due to the particularities of artistic research, art that questions topics of global interest (as happens in the case of sustainability, ecology or technology) is the art of our time, and the communication of these positions presupposes the development of ideas through research. The present text establishes a series of parameters related to engagement in artistic research, approached through the prism of representative contemporary artistic practices.

Trends in the development of institutions and forms of artistic communication in modern St. Petersburg

The subject of the study is the works of contemporary St. Petersburg artists of different generations and creative trends, as well as the forms and features of their communication with each other and with the general as well as professional public. The trends of artistic communication in the city are determined by the activities of such institutions as art and non-art museums, art galleries and exhibition centers, which are a classic form of presentation of contemporary art; alternative venues such as creative spaces and art clusters. The field of attention also includes the attraction of St. Petersburg authors to the organization of small artistic associations, mainly art groups, for example, "Unconquered", "North-7", "Parasites", etc. In addition to works of art, theoretical works and reflections by researchers of contemporary art in St. Petersburg and the spaces of its public presentation are involved. The methodological basis is the analysis of the works of St. Petersburg masters of the beginning of the XXI century in the context of the development of urban institutions of artistic communication. The research is based on theoretical works devoted to the problem of artistic communication and trends in the current art process. Comparative-interpretative and typological methods are used to compare the works of artists and forms of artistic communication. The problem of artistic communication in the field of fine art in St. Petersburg is becoming the subject of a separate study. This area of city life is currently developing quite dynamically, as new art associations, curatorial practices and alternative classical platforms for the presentation of the work of authors belonging to different generations and art movements are emerging. Traditional museums and galleries, as well as creative spaces, art clusters and other often non-core institutions, such as libraries and cafes, are involved in this process. Against this background, the features of St. Petersburg artistic communication crystallize, which is characterized by a desire to organize communities, to fuse realistic traditions and current trends, to escapism and symbolism, as well as an interest in oriental themes and stylistics.

We're in the Library!: welcoming creative practices, sharing responsibilities of access

This article discusses how the Women's Art Library fosters creativity through the experience of the many artistic research practices hosted since the collection was installed in Goldsmiths University of London in the Library as a Special Collection.

ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF ARTISTIC RESEARCH IN THE ACADEMIC CONTEXT

The distinction between different forms of research is a subject of interest for a large part of theoreticians, philosophers, professors in universities, but also for contemporary artists. The current text proposes an alternative approach to artistic research, resulting from working with technology, associated with pictorial practice. The image, understood as the main resource of the visual medium, became in the case of the present research, a tool of analysis for the 3A application, a software developed (in the academic research context of the National University of the Arts in Bucharest) to issue, structure and elaborate a series of objective technical parameters in image classification. The present paper describes a way of assimilating the results of the research carried out in an academic context in artistic practice, the works produces being the consequence of the experience of working with the 3A application software and the way in which the technology had an impact on the personal artistic discourse.

Між минулим і майбутнім: рефлексії навколо нового тлумачення просвітницьких ідей Бориса Грінченка (кін. ХІХ – поч. ХХ ст.)

The research dives into similarities between historical events in the early twentieth and twenty-first centuries, drawing connections to Borys Hrinchenko’s inspirations which resonate with contemporary efforts in resisting russian occupation, emphasizing the struggle for Ukrainian independence, identity, and freedom through primarily ideological, cultural, national, and linguistic means. The article highlights the leading pedagogical ideas of the scientific and journalistic heritage of Borys Hrinchenko, a prominent Ukrainian linguist, writer, poet, playwright, publicist, critic, ethnographer, educator, and public figure of the late nineteenth – early twentieth centuries. The author focuses on various aspects of the scientist’s contributions, including ethnographic research and methodological systematization of Ukrainian folk art, social endeavors aimed at common societal objectives, educational perspectives, and pedagogical intentions. Additionally, the emphasis is on humanizing personal and social interactions among individuals through the promotion of universal moral ideals and spiritual values, among other aspects. The article provides characteristics of educational concepts related to the national upbringing of Ukrainian youth within Borys Hrinchenko’s scientific and journalistic heritage. It outlines the pedagogical discussions on intergenerational transmission in the realm of Ukrainian studies during the specified period. The author attempts to reinterpret the eminent thinker’s persona in intrinsic harmony with well-known figures from the intellectual elite of that era. Significant attention is devoted to the alignment of creative concepts between Borys Hrinchenko and Ivan Franko. The article highlights Kamenyar’s extensive praise for Hrinchenko, mentioning his resilience challenging criticism, often hostile, and his consistent profound love for Ukraine and “sincere democracy” in all his writings. Specific examples are presented to illustrate Hrinchenko’s aimed critique of Khrystyna Alchevska’s idleness, particularly in the context of russifying Ukrainian schools and publishing her books in russian. The research offers an entirely different interpretation of the critical perspective on certain intellectuals’ scientific and literary works from the relevant period. This perspective was aimed at the promotion of Ukrainian studies and national education. The article explores certain aspects of Hrinchenko’s role as a teacher in a rural school, drawing from historical and scholarly references. It emphasizes the strong connection between two generations of the Ukrainian national movement – Borys Hrinchenko and Dmytro Doroshenko – by analyzing their common efforts. The author highlights their effective collaboration in developing the Ukrainian independent press, public engagement, educational initiatives, and shaping the Ukrainian people’s national consciousness and identity.

The art of playful mess: Co-choreographing the early years dance pedagogical practices

This article presents explorations of co-choreographing the early years dance pedagogical settings through dialogical and intra-active approaches in the context of artistic research. It discusses how to choreograph the pedagogical settings in such a manner, that the distribution of the artistic agency would become more equal, and the complex relational aspects and diversities would have time and space to emerge. The significance and possible consequences of co-choreographing the dances as well as the pedagogical arrangements will be also examined, followed with practical examples of what might the materiality of the space suggest and how to respond to it. The paper presents the Storyboard Method as a drawing-based method created by children for co-creating and writing choreography. It proposes the Storyboard Method having potential to open possibilities for working together with all ages and different linguistic skills in a participant-driven and playful manner. The work also suggests that by deconstructing the adult-child dichotomy and re-distributing the authority of knowledge, for example, through drawing-based playful methods, we could enhance the respectful encounters and allow the messy and complex qualities of creativity to emerge and enrich the artistic work.

NEW INSIGHTS INTO COMMUNNICATIONS AND ARTS RESEARCH

Are you a hater of Jews, an anti-Semite, once you call for a ceasefire in current Gaza war? New insights into media and communications as well as Arts and creativity research will debunk implications of this highly controversial query. Yet a valid and outrageous insinuation proposed by members of the political and cultural elite in Germany. Namely when dealing with the protest staged by a number of directors and actors who had particpated in the grand Finale of the famous film festival, Berlinale, in February of this year. Said creators and participants in the movie industry had held up signs and placards, calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza war between the near-fascist Netanjahu regime and Hamas.

General physical training in Ukrainian national martial arts

The article deals with the issues of improving general physical training in Ukrainian martial arts. An analysis of modern approaches to the general physical training of martial artists was made. The content, methods and means of physical training in the Ukrainian national sports of Horting and Cossack fight are shown. The peculiarities of building the training process of athletes in the annual training cycle are revealed. The relationship between the indicators of the development of physical qualities and the stability of competitive results in Ukrainian national martial arts is analyzed. The choice of test exercises for determining the development of the main physical qualities of athletes in Ukrainian martial arts is substantiated. Differences in the level of development of the physical qualities of athletes are determined, depending on the competitive division in which they specialize. The prospects for the further development of Ukrainian national martial arts in Europe and the world are shown. Ukrainian martial arts compete with Eastern martial arts. Horting and Cossack fight use modern methods of general and special physical training in the training process. Sports science conducts fundamental research of Ukrainian national sports martial arts.

All that is solid melts into air (Salton Sea), 2017

This paper is an analysis of the artist Sadia Sadia’s 5’54” filmed loop three channel digital video and surround sound installation ‘all that is solid melts into air (Salton Sea)’ filmed at the Salton Sea, Coachella Valley, California in 2017. Integrating a practice that has included music production, sound design and fine art filmed installation, the artist examines the Salton Sea as a site of ecological devastation undergoing drought amplified by the climate crisis. The drying lake exposes ‘Salton Sea dust’ which contains a mix of arsenic, selenium, chromium, zinc, lead and DDT as a consequence of industrialised agricultural activity. The filmed installation employs aesthetic ‘methodologies of transcendence’ to initiate sublime, transcendent and epiphanic states, grounded in practice-based artistic research as well as existing sociological, psychological and neuroscientific research. Through an examination of the filmed installation work, the artist interrogates whether there is an element of the sacred that can be found in ecological devastation and whether the redemptive power of awe can lead from individual epiphany through to meaningful collective change. The submission is of a creative work of practice-based research with an accompanying expository text by a practicing artist and filmmaker.

XR and mental wellbeing: state of the art and future research directions for the Metaverse.

The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of extant research regarding XR technology and its effect on consumer wellbeing. With the hopes of informing marketing practitioners on XR consumer psychology, in preparation for the Metaverse. To achieve the above aim, two types of analysis took place. Firstly, a bibliometric analysis was conducted which was then followed by a framework-based structured literature review. The latter entailed an analysis of 81 articles evaluated from a positive psychological approach. Following the TCCM framework, the analysis revealed the most common psychological theories demonstrating potential avenues for XR to impact consumer wellbeing. Moreover, researchers found preliminary links between, theory, characteristics, and contexts. Giving a preliminary description of how theory manifests into reality. Finally, the overview of extant literature was used to propose new avenues for future research pertaining to marketing, the Metaverse, and consumer effects. In conclusion, the paper provides stakeholder insights which can ensure minimal consumer risk and sustainable use of the XR technology and Metaverse. While addressing the need for more research that uncovers the psychological effects of emerging technologies, so to prepare for the Metaverse. This is especially important when considering the current upsurge of these technologies and the uncertainties associated with their novelty and the idea of an 'always on' consumer.

A Study on the Translation of Metaphors in Third Volume of Translation of Legend of the Condor Heroes from the Embodied Cognitive Linguistics

Traditionally, metaphor was only regarded as a rhetorical device and neglected human cognition. Unlike traditional metaphor studies, contemporary metaphor studies not only view metaphor as a linguistic phenomenon, but also a cognitive phenomenon, and a basic way for humans to understand the world. This study starts from the perspective of Embodied Cognitive Linguistics and analyzes the Chinese and English translations of The Legend of the Condor Heroes from the three core principles. It provides a new perspective for metaphor research in martial art.

International Symposium on Sculpture "Stone Melody (Tash Mony)" in the Kazan Kremlin: a space for artistic research and experimentation

The article analyzes works of sculpture, created during the international symposium in Kazan under the guidance of the author, that, after being installed in the Kazan Kremlin, became objects of attraction for tourists and guests of the Republic. Various stylistic approaches are described in detail in the disclosure of the theme performed by sculptors representing the national schools of the Turkic world (Azerbaijan, Bashkortostan, Crimea, Turkey, Tatarstan), accumulating Eastern and Western European traditions in their worklong or recent past.

Turning community stories into community art1

A broad range of community art projects and programmes have been documented around the world since I first reported on this project in 2012. However, it still remains that lack of time and/or funding means that most art teachers are unable to engage in community arts or generate resources and opportunities to teach community arts. This means that unless community art projects directly engage schools and teachers in their projects and time is put aside for students and teachers to go on excursions, visit sites and engage with these communities, there are few opportunities for students to engage in community arts-based learning. This article reports on an innovative community art project that engaged narrative, and sculptural form, as a way of learning about community, place and identity. The project is explained from the perspective of an art educator, researcher and artist who was employed in the project both as community artist and as facilitator. This ‘insider’s perspective’ aims to afford some context to relevant theories through which such projects can be understood as potentially beneficial to art education – particularly in the way people have used narrative to communicate issues of place and the ways in which artists have translated community narratives into sculptural form. The author’s insider perspective offers insight into this project to share how a community art project could be designed and facilitated for students to engage in their local region and therefore a way forward for teachers and students to engage in something similar, to learn about how community stories can be translated into contemporary art, and the important role of place and identity in this work.

Interview with Gary Nash

This interview with art therapist Gary Nash explores his thoughts on the field, both successes and challenges, including his work with response art and as a portfolio art therapist. Additionally, Nash offers his observations about art-based research based on his many years of research experience. Nash provides some background on his interest in and approach to art therapy, response art and art-based research. Finally, Nash shares how Nature influences and inspires his more recent work in environmental arts therapy.

Summary of the First Thailand-China Youth Scholars Forum on Art and Culture Research

On the eve of the implementation of the permanent visa-free policy between China and Thailand, young scholars in the field of arts and culture research from Thailand and China gathered in Bangkok and actively participated in the first Thailand-China Arts and Culture Research Forum held at Guelph University in Thailand in order to strengthen the research and exchange of arts and culture between China and Thailand and achieve the goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind. The relevant scholars conducted in-depth research in their respective fields and had extensive exchanges at the conference, which played an important role in enhancing the cultural confidence, institutional confidence, and academic confidence of scholars from both countries.

The values of cultural goods and cultural capital externalities: state of the art and future research prospects

Cultural economics has largely looked toward environmental economics and used non-market valuation techniques such as contingent valuation to estimate the total economic value of cultural goods. These methods are well suited to the valuation of cultural heritage goods, where the benefits are mostly related to the level of supply and mainly take the form of existence and bequest values. This stands in contrast to cultural institutions such as theatres, libraries, exhibitions, and concerts, where the value is produced, when the goods are consumed. For this type of cultural goods, I suggest that cultural economics rather turn to find inspiration in the economics of education. The value of schooling can be divided into private returns and social returns (human capital externalities). Likewise, the value of cultural consumption can have a private and a public component, where I suggest labeling the public component cultural capital externalities. The idea is that when private consumption of arts and culture is taking place, the individual will accumulate cultural capital. This accumulated cultural capital can impact other people (e.g., through changed behavior, future decisions or interactions) and create externalities, i.e., the cultural capital externalities. The size of the externalities is expected to increase (or decrease) with the level of consumption. Without the consumption by the users, no externalities are produced. While this is one of the most fundamental arguments for cultural policy, it has not yet been extensively studied within cultural economics.

Connected Art Practice: Transformative Learning Environments for Transdisciplinary Competences

This article explores the implementation of Connected Art Practice in diverse learning environments, serving as an immersive entry point for students and researchers to develop collaborative transdisciplinary skills. This innovative approach integrates audio, educational, and sustainability research, employing sound-interaction methods applied to tangible objects. Participants engage in exploring the interplay between objects representing interests or values, fostering the creation of a visual and linguistic network of interconnectedness. Inspired by artistic research, particularly Dérive, the practice provides experiences of connectedness to others and the environment, intertwined with reflections and discussions that foster a community of inquiry. This community collaboratively designs shared practices or projects, encouraging a holistic approach to transformative learning, addressing heterogeneity, complexity, authenticity, critical awareness, and emotional connectedness. All three case studies utilized qualitative analysis in artistic and academic settings. Datasets were collected in case study two from group discussion, participant observation, press releases and documentary photographs. In case studies one and three, audio–visual recordings, participant observation, field notes, and photo-documentation were collected. This study demonstrates that “Connected Art Practice” enhances competences in artistic expression, communication, and collaboration across disciplinary, social, and cultural boundaries. Specifically, it contributes to creative reinvention, personal sharing, self-reflection, and the capacity to co-design diverse projects. The paper concludes by discussing findings and pointing out the essential qualities of Connected Art, providing insights and resources for educational and research institutions seeking to foster transdisciplinary engagement and transformative learning in their curricular activities.

Fault tolerance challenges in wearable computing for vital applications: a survey

Wearable computers can be used in different domains including healthcare. However, due to suffering from challenges such as faults their applications may be limited in real practice. So, in designing wearable devices, designer must take into account fault tolerance techniques. This study aims to investigate the challenging issues of fault tolerance in wearable computing. For this purpose, different aspects of fault tolerance in wearable computing namely hardware, software, energy, and communication are studied; and state of the art research regarding each category is analysed. In this analysis, the performed works using the fault tolerance techniques are included in the form of 25 components and referred to as “fault tolerance plan”. Using this fault tolerance plan and the appropriate profile, the fault tolerance of any wearable system can be evaluated. In this article, fault tolerances of several of the most prominent works conducted in the field of wearable computing were evaluated. The obtained results, with the medical profile, showed that only one wearable system had a fault tolerance of 91%, with the other systems having a fault tolerance of 24% or less. Also, the results obtained from evaluating these works, with the military profile, showed that only one wearable system had a fault tolerance of 76%, with the other systems having a fault tolerance of 19% or less. These mean that few studies have been conducted on the fault tolerance of wearable computing.

Reinforcement Learning for Generative AI: State of the Art, Opportunities and Open Research Challenges

Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most exciting developments in Computer Science of the last decade. At the same time, Reinforcement Learning (RL) has emerged as a very successful paradigm for a variety of machine learning tasks. In this survey, we discuss the state of the art, opportunities and open research questions in applying RL to generative AI. In particular, we will discuss three types of applications, namely, RL as an alternative way for generation without specified objectives; as a way for generating outputs while concurrently maximizing an objective function; and, finally, as a way of embedding desired characteristics, which cannot be easily captured by means of an objective function, into the generative process. We conclude the survey with an in-depth discussion of the opportunities and challenges in this fascinating emerging area.