Artistic Expression Research Articles

The embodied nature of physical theater: artistic expression, emotions, interactions

ABSTRACT The nature of physical theater can facilitate understanding of the complex characteristics of embodied movement . Given also the scarcity of empirical studies in the area , the purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological, and temporal study was to thoroughly examine the embodied nature of physical theater (e.g. unity of body and mind) within different aspects of movement, such as performativity, communication with others, and emotional expression. Seven undergraduate students (M age = 20.43 ± 1.28 years old) enrolled in a semester-long physical theater class at a major Southeastern US university. Based on the qualitative, phenomenological analysis, three physical theater themes emerged regarding improved embodied sensations over the class period: a) embodied artistic expression (e.g. body-mind unison; sense of flow; physical theater as a form of exercise), b) embodied emotions (e.g. body and mind in emotion, expressing emotions freely), and c) embodied interactions (e.g. body, mind, and emotion in communication; more attentive to body language; communicating with the audience). In the field of Performing Arts, viewing movement holistically as an end in itself can bring about senses of fulfillment, body awareness, improved consciousness, and increased value of physical culture (value of creative movement), and well-being.

La glyptique : du berceau des civilisations à nos jours, un art millénaire en constante évolution

The art of stone or gem engraving was invented at the dawn of civilizations. It has played an essential role in the history of art and culture from its start to nowadays, evolving over the centuries to become a means of artistic expression. The earliest forms of glyptic art were observed among ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, around 4,000 BC. Engraved cylindrical seals and scarabs served both as objects of art and means of personal identification. Glyptic art reached its first peak in Greece and Rome. Talented artisans produced intaglios featuring mythological motifs, portraits, and historical scenes, used as personal seals, jewelry, amulets, and collectibles. Throughout the ages of medieval Europe, the art of glyptics survived mainly through ancient collections and a few scattered monastic workshops. The Renaissance saw a renewed interest in engraved gemstones, with the development of a new form of tourism driven by the bourgeoisie. Glyptic art experienced its second peak in the 18th-19th centuries with the fashion for cameos. Today, glyptic art is gradually making a comeback, not only drawing the interest of collectors of ancient pieces but also coming back to the front of the jewelry scene.

Childhood and Literature

In this paper we analyze the diverse relationship between childhood, as a fundamental stage of human development, and literature, which presumably requires knowledge of language in a way that exceeds the original infants’ capacities. Yet, there is a sort of childhood inside the field of literary expression, Again, the moment when an author or artist begins, mostly in the adolescence, the artistic expression by means of words. Childhood exists as a theme in a variety of literary works. So, at the end we have a metaphoric unity of the origin of human life and the first steps in literature, both as topical in the writing process.

Portrayal of Muslim Female Character: A Critical Study of Bollywood Movie Raees

The Indian film industry provides a huge source of entertainment to the masses not only in India but also across the borders as well. With the help of artistic fictional expressions, it not only caters to locating facts and realities in the contemporary social structure but also has the undeniable capacity to persuade viewers in a certain way. Indian cinema or “Bollywood” has marked its place in the minds of its consumers and consequently restyled their perceptions about the world around them. There is a variety of subjects, issues and cultures that are projected by the Indian cinema. Amongst them, the portrayal of Muslim females has been the popular theme of Indian cinema. However, Muslim characters like women remain subject to bias. To dissect this phenomenon in Bollywood, present study is an attempt to examine the depiction of Muslim women in Bollywood. For this purpose, Movie, “Raees” (2017) has been selected. Norman Fairclough’s three-dimensional model of Critical Discourse Analysis (2003) used as the methodological framework. Under the theoretical realm of framing theory, this study focuses on the portrayal of the female character in the Bollywood movie Raees. The study concludes that Muslim women are being portrayed as disconnected from their religious beliefs. Keywords: Framing, Muslim women, Critical discourse analysis, Bollywood, Raees,

Waste Materials as a Sustainable Medium in Contemporary Art: An analysis of Malaysian artists' creative practices

This study analyses the integration of environmental factors into creative representation, focusing on Malaysian artists proficient in 2D and 3D artworks that utilize waste and recyclables. It emphasizes the value of waste-derived materials in artistic expression, highlighting artists competent at converting varied waste forms into fascinating artworks. Using Feldman's theory, the researchers selected artworks to understand their content and context. Acknowledging the potential for art to contribute to change, the research advises employing waste as a creative, sustainable strategy to address environmental challenges and increase awareness. It promotes waste as a significant artistic medium for encouraging sustainability consciousness in Malaysia.

A REVIEW OF THE CULTURAL LEVELS OF THE ARTISTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF YANGJIABU NEW YEAR WOODCUT PRINTS

YangJiaBu New Year woodcut prints, integral to China's intangible cultural heritage, encapsulate the nation's rich folk traditions and artistic expressions. This study investigates their evolving cultural significance in the context of global cultural shifts. It adopts the method of literature analysis to explore in depth the inheritance and innovative application of these prints, offering insights into their historical background, development patterns, and cultural values. The research draws on interdisciplinary perspectives to articulate the cultural evolution of these prints and their implications for cultural attributes, artistic aesthetics, and innovation direction. The YangJiaBu prints, embodying traditional Chinese culture's ethos, have undergone significant transformations across dynasties, reflecting the changing societal values and aspirations. This paper presents a tiered analysis using cultural genetics and cultural level theories, examining the prints' role in enhancing social connections and individual life experiences. It emphasizes their potential in design innovation, cultural heritage preservation, and fostering societal progress. The study also explores the interplay between art and technology, proposing a systematic design paradigm to integrate traditional culture into modern contexts. This synopsis retraces YangJiaBu prints' historical and cultural journey, highlighting their potential to enrich modern design and cultural innovation.

Socio-Economic Conditions and Challenges Faced by Pottery Artisan: A Case Study of Haryana and Delhi

India is rich in cultural diversity, where traditional crafts and artistic expressions have flourished for centuries. Artisans have played an essential role in shaping identity and character. The pottery evidence can be traced back to the Neolithic age with the participation of various traditional knowledge. Pottery artisans hold a significant place as their artistic creations signify the culture, tradition, and history of the country. The pottery industries provide various opportunities like employment generation, increasing exports, etc. The study attempted to investigate the present status of the socio-economic conditions of the pottery artisans in Delhi and Haryana. Another objective of the study was to analyse the range of challenges faced by pottery artisans in the study area. The study aimed to provide actionable recommendations that can contribute to the growth, preservation and empowerment of pottery artisans. Primary data were used in the study. Snowball stratified random sampling was used in the study. Various indexes were constructed to identify the key challenges faced. The study showed that the pottery industry was suffering from competition, followed by an irregular supply of raw materials and quality issues. Government and non-government organisations can solve the problem and help grow and develop this particular industry.

RHYTHMS OF LIBERATION: TRACING THE DANCE OF EMANCIPATION THROUGH HISTORY

The role of dance as a transformative medium for women’s emancipation, tracing its evolution from the Renaissance period to contemporary times. is a topic that necessitates a broad, multidisciplinary analysis. Dance is presented not only as a form of artistic expression but also as a powerful instrument for social change and gender equality. Through historical analysis, the study highlights how dance has facilitated women’s ability to express their identities, challenge patriarchal norms, and advocate for their rights across various epochs. The research underscores significant contributions by key figures and movements that have used dance as a platform for signalling shifts in societal attitudes towards women’s roles and freedoms. By drawing on the works of scholars such as Goldman (2010) on improvisational dance, Hahn (2013) on the role of creative arts in education and social change, Camp (2002) on dance as a form of resistance among enslaved women, and Åhäll (2016) on feminist security studies, the paper elucidates dance’s multifaceted impact on women’s liberation. From the sophisticated court dances of the Renaissance that reflected societal and cultural shifts to the expressive and boundary-pushing performances of the 19th and 20th centuries, dance emerged as a dynamic force in advocating for women’s emancipation. The conclusion reaffirms dance’s ongoing relevance as a medium through which contemporary women continue to explore their identities, challenge existing norms, and promote feminist values, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on gender equality and empowerment.

Secondary school teachers' perceptions of the shared creative processes and the potential role of technology in the expressive arts

AbstractWith the introduction of Curriculum for Wales and the restructuring of subjects into Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLE), each AoLE is encouraged to have ‘an identifiable disciplinary and instrumental core’. When considered in combination with the COVID‐19 pandemic and increased technology use within teaching, both the shared creative processes and the potential role of technology are important to conceptualise. This paper provides insight into expressive arts teachers' perceptions of the macro‐level creative processes shared across each subject area through a technology lens. A new tripartite classification provides clarity regarding the macro‐level creative processes (Creative opportunities, Critical responses and Performance/production) and the role of technology to enable equal opportunities and wider accessibility for learners to access, and potentially succeed within, the creative process.

THE ROLE OF SPIRITUAL AND FORMAL EFFECTS IN THE PERCEPTION OF EMOTIONAL STATES CONSTITUTING A WORK OF ART

: The emotional states that constitute a work of art are formed through the effects of a series of rules and regularities that explain the organization of various systems and also form the foundation of a field of study. Emotions, formal pleasures, and spiritual approaches are among the phenomena that develop a theory defining the general definition of art, delineating its boundaries, and identifying the qualities that allow us to label something as a "work of art." Additionally, art is related with the aesthetics of nature and human subjective realities. The emotional sentiments, characterized as reality for the artist and manifested through seeing and understanding, are dependent on the subjects to be addressed in art. Art, an inherent human capability, is essentially a representation of existence. The tangible qualities of natural objects, considered reality for the artist, assist in perceiving and grasping these emotional feelings in art. Furthermore, individually arising emotional states give rise to aesthetic judgment based on both objective and subjective evaluations. The essential qualities inherent in the essence of the artwork are the foundation of artistic existence. The form that aids in the emergence of artistic presence appears as the perceptible reality of any object through our senses. For the artist, the material characteristics in nature bring forth perceptions. Artistic works produced for aesthetic purposes help bring forth the existing emotional states.
 The artist reflects their artistic expression through a perspective developed from their perception of the dynamics of art, attempting to create artistic forms based on the interaction between everyday objects and the senses. Objects that transport perceived forms into reality and everyday items, in interaction with the senses, aid in creating artworks as a synthesis of spiritual approaches. Cultural, sociopolitical, and economic factors influencing society are among the primary factors affecting the creation of artworks. Additionally, variables related to the artist's psychological state and societal structure play a role in this transformative process in the production of artworks. Thus, objects that inherently lack artistic meaning interact with each other in the journey of being transformed into artworks by artists.
 Our research is conducted by examining qualitative data related to the emotional states that constitute a work of art and their perceptual, spiritual, and formal effects. It is believed that this study will contribute to the field of art.

“My head between blankets”: exploring trauma and affective injustice in the school life trajectory of a female student in Argentina

This article examines how trauma and affective injustice permeate the school life trajectory of a female student (Sofia) in Argentina. The study is theoretically grounded in the field of trauma studies in education and contributes to this literature by attending to affective injustice, a concept that has not received much attention yet. This study foregrounds Sofia’s experience of affective injustice and demonstrates that this concept is crucial in further understanding students’ experiences of affective trauma in school. Assembling rich materials (report cards, interviews, psychologists’ reports, social media posts, autobiographical texts) that span over a period of 17 years, the study uses qualitative perspectives to show how Sofia understands and experiences affective injustice in various phases of her school life. In particular, these experiences are presented in the form of an assemblage of expressions showing how Sofia communicates her claims of affective injustice using varied means and resources ranging from linguistic, behavioural, biographical, creative, emotional, bodily, and artistic expression. The paper concludes with a discussion of the educational implications of the study.

Expressing through Creativity: An Intervention for the Mental Health of Children Living at Child Care Institutions in Goa, India

ABSTRACT Child Care Institutions (CCI) are often considered the best remedy for vulnerable children in India. Research suggests deteriorating mental health of the children residing at CCI and an inadequate mental health infrastructure aggravates this problem. An alternative therapy is vital to improve the current situation. Research confirms the positive effects of Expressive Art Therapy (EAT) for children facing mental health crises. In this paper, we aim to assess the effectiveness of EAT on the mental health, emotion regulation and resilience of these children. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was adopted for this intervention study. Forty-three children from two CCI in Goa participated in this study and were divided in to two groups. Group A (n = 18) received full intervention, whereas Group B (n = 25) received partial intervention. The quantitative analysis of psychometric data Group A showed significant improvement in their overall mental health and resilience scores. The qualitative content analysis of the art materials and interviews of same group supports the quantitative findings. Group B has also shown positive effects on some mental health and resilience constructs. Our findings reiterate the effectiveness of EAT for children in CCI and that this therapy could corroborate in their daily curriculum to promote overall well-being.

Artistic expression as a property of resonant musical experience: an interview study with upper secondary school music teachers

Background The concept of artistic expression is present in the curriculum for upper secondary school music program in Sweden. Being a criterion for assessment, no definition is provided by the National Agency of Education and there exists no consensus of how to interpret artistic expression among music teachers and music teacher students. Methods In order to explore how teachers understand, teach, and assess the concept and phenomenon of artistic expression, twelve qualitative interviews with music teachers were conducted and analyzed through an open coding process. Results The findings show that the concept of artistic expression is multifaceted and evasive. The results focus on two analytic threads: (i) situatedness and (ii) entanglement. (i) AE is situated due to context-specific parameters which underpins the meaning of the concept in this particular educational setting. (ii) Furthermore, the phenomenon of artistic expression is entangled (a) with the ongoing relationship between teacher and student, and (b) in a temporally unfolding and interactive musical event. The phenomenon of artistic expression as entangled is discussed, primarily through Hartmut Rosa’s concept of resonance, which brings into focus the intersubjective character of aesthetic experience. Doing so questions understandings of – and assessment procedures surrounding – artistic expression that relies on skill-based interpretations or reductions of entanglement. One example of such reduction is assessment of recordings of student performances which limits the (a) relational perspective (if assessed by a third person) or (b) the entanglement with the musical event. The perspective of resonance brings forth the teacher’s role during a student performance as characterized by self-efficacy and active listening, thus co-constitutive of artistic expression. Conclusions The article concludes with reflections on how the findings may contribute to the continuous discussion on how scientific grounding and proven experience may inform both the music education at upper secondary school and music teacher education. The concept of resonance provides a possibility to reframe conceptions of artistic competence in art education as being grounded in intersubjective and relational terms, rather than being reified as a set of measurable skills, an understanding which in turn risks replacing learning with criteria compliance.

Empathy and the art of Leonardo da Vinci.

Knowledge about empathy is part of the study of artistic expressions, among which stand out works of personalities such as the Renaissance polymath Leonardo da Vinci, who was concerned with the connection between science and art during his creative research full of imagination and sensitivity to nature and human anatomy. The word empathy emerged among critics of German art as the term einfühlung, which was used within the aesthetic bias by philosophers and art historians. It emphasized the idea that a viewer perceiving an object could establish a link between it and themselves, projecting the object 'into themselves'. That is, the artwork could be experienced by the observer as if the viewer belonged predominantly to the object, in such a way that its characteristics could be actually felt through the expression of emotions, feelings and thoughts. This analysis of art appreciation required a great deal of knowledge and contemplation of nature, as understood by the German Romanticists, who had enormous admiration for da Vinci and his universal and systematic mind-a mind which reacted against formalisms, building his intellectual and sensory systems based on both his observation of nature and his own criteria. In particular, the art of painting for Leonardo was a way to demonstrate a mental discourse, just as the most important aspect of human portraits is to represent-in gestures and facial expressions-the states of mind and emotions. These are facts that German Romanticists tried to explain as the relationship between empathy and a work of art. The present manuscript aims to describe empathy from an artistic view, considering the roots of this word in German Romanticism; to comment about Leonardo da Vinci and the expression of art in the Renaissance; and, finally, to discuss the expression of his art in relation to empathy.

Artistic creativity, digital technologies and theatrical sustainability: Integrating new media in theatre practice

Arts and technology have continually been inter-related. Artistic expressions have been facilitated by technological innovations that enable artists either to adapt technologies meant for other purposes, or to invent them as a way to foster the creative process. The evolution of digital technologies in the knowledge era has had a huge impact on the theatre profession, in which digital transformation has influenced the ways theatrical contents are created, presented, distributed and circulated to audiences. This article examines technological advances of the digital era and their impact on the performing arts/the theatre. Relying on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study argues that new technologies and media enable the creation of new forms of arts that stimulate radical changes in the distribution channels of cultural and creative products (CCPs) based on their digitalisation and dematerialisation. The study finds that digitalisation provides creative artists with new tools and means of artistic expression. Indeed, digitalisation enhances and inspires not only the creation of new art forms but also the presentation of traditional arts by enabling multimedia experiences and interactivity. The paper recommends that, given the reality of globalisation and its concomitant emergence of virtual communities, theatrical performances must adopt new media tools in terms of content creation, exhibition and distribution, to remain functional.

Regenerasi Pengrajin Gerabah Perempuan di Pundong, Kasongan, dan Bayat dalam Mempertahankan NilaiNilai Kearifan Lokal Budaya Jawa

This research discusses women traditional pottery craftsmen in Pundong, Kasongan, and Bayat who are guardians of local cultural traditions in the midst of a global cultural ecosystem that is changing rapidly. This study aims to analyze the role of women in maintaining the values of local wisdom and how they deal with the influence of globalization on their traditional pottery crafts in relation to regeneration. The method used is a qualitative method with an ethnographic approach model. Data collected included observations, interviews, and documentation in traditional pottery-making communities. Pottery craftsmen in Pundong, Kasongan, and Bayat play an important role as custodians of cultural knowledge, transmission of traditions, and innovation in pottery crafts. The expertise of traditional techniques, artistic expression, and cultural symbols is a testament to women's dedication in maintaining the values of local wisdom amid the pressures of the global cultural ecosystem. The results of this study contribute to a broader understanding of the importance of cultural preservation and regeneration efforts involving gender roles in learning the nation's character. Keywords: Women, Pottery Craftsman, Local Wisdom, Global

Utilization of Art in Nursing Education to Enhance Student Spiritual Growth and Holistic Nursing Practice.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate student nurses' perceptions of how creative art activities might support spiritual self-exploration, foster understanding of holistic care and promote spiritual growth in relation to Mercy and Jesuit values emphasized in their nursing program. Design: A qualitative design was used with data collected through surveys and students' reflections. Methods: Students enrolled in an introductory nursing course with a service-learning component participated in the study. Students were initially asked to create drawings depicting Mercy/Jesuit charisms, spirituality, and holistic nursing then complete written reflections. At the term's end, students created group art projects connecting service learning, holistic nursing care, and spiritual growth. Students responded to survey questions regarding spirituality, Mercy/Jesuit charisms, nursing practice, and their art experiences. Findings: Surveys were completed by 122 of the 137 students who participated in the art projects. After initial difficulty with artistic expression, most students reported the projects provided an opportunity for introspection related to personal spirituality, nursing, and the impact of service-learning experiences on future nursing practice. Conclusion: Arts-based learning can help students explore and express spirituality related to nursing and support their understanding and integration of values essential to the delivery of holistic nursing care.

The Awakening of Feminist Artistic Expression: A Comparative Study of the Self-Portrait of Frida Kahlo and the Self-Portrait of Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun

The topic of feminism was not discussed by scholars until the 20th century, but it has become a highly debated issue in today's society. Female portrait artists have been historically marginalized due to the origins of portraiture being intended to please male viewers. In the past, women were predominantly viewed as mothers and housewives within the social context. However, the research has revealed that numerous female artists defied the societal norms of the time and made unique efforts to achieve independence as professional women. In the long history of painting, there have been many female painters who have expressed feminist ideas through their art. This article compares the self-portraits of two portrait painters, Frida Kahlo and Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, in terms of painting themes, methods, and the representation of women. This study explores how female artists' paintings were influenced by the rise of female consciousness in different periods. The final result concludes that feminist awakening is depicted in female-themed paintings across different social periods by female artists.

Epilepsy in Art: A Historical Exploration of Representations Across Eras

This narrative review explores the diverse representations of epilepsy in art across different historical periods, examining the intersection of artistic expression with evolving cultural, medical, and societal perceptions. Beginning with ancient and medieval depictions intertwined with religious symbolism, the paper progresses through the Renaissance, and Baroque, and transitions into modern and avant-garde movements. Each period reflects changing attitudes towards epilepsy, from divine interpretations, and religious concerns to anatomical realism and, later, explorations of psychological themes. The contemporary lens focuses on inclusive and empathetic portrayals, utilizing digital media to challenge stigmas and foster understanding.

Art Therapy in Visual Communication

Art therapy, as a new type of psychotherapy, has attracted much attention in recent years for its application in the field of visual communication. In this paper, the application and effects of art therapy in visual communication are discussed in depth through a comprehensive literature review and case study. It is found that art therapy helps individuals explore emotions and solve psychological barriers through creative artistic expression, and can promote self-knowledge and regulate emotions. Visual communication design provides individuals with a non-verbal way of expression, which makes up for the emotional dimension that is difficult to cover with words. In addition, by presenting actual cases, this research found that art therapy has achieved significant results in problem-solving and psychological rehabilitation. Therefore, this study emphasizes the importance of art therapy in visual communication practice and provides a theoretical and practical basis for further exploration of the field.