Theories and Problems in Visual Art: Concepts Lecture 15 on Research

Introduction

• Discussion about research in art schools and the distinction between artistic and scientific research.
• Examination of whether artistic research is related to scientific research.
• Exploration of alternative ways to understand research in art.

Research in Art Schools

• In some parts of the world, especially the UK and Australia, research is a key component of advanced art instruction (MFA, PhD levels).
• Research and knowledge are intertwined in art education.
• Students expected to develop research methodologies and describe their work as research.

Research at the School of the Art Institute

• Incorporates research in courses like Research Studio One and Contemporary Practices.
• Key research methodologies include: observe, search, record, form, transfer, transform, create, and situate.

Comparison Between Artistic and Scientific Research

• Scientific research features a defined list of methods, evidence, and conventional sections in papers.
• Three positions on artistic research:
  • Can use scientific research methodologies, but is fundamentally distinct.
  • Needs to rethink scientific methodologies due to distinct nature.
  • Cannot use scientific methodologies due to fundamental differences.
• Reference: Routledge Companion to Research in the Arts, offering a Venn diagram of distinctions and similarities.

Debate on Defining Artistic Research

• Soren Kuropp argues artistic research should develop its own methods and not comply with scientific standards.
• Debate on whether artistic research should be defined:
  • Could be left undefined due to art's intrinsic openness.
  • Should be defined to justify calling it 'research'.

Henk Slager's Perspective

• Describes artistic research as having no need to conform to scientific models.
• introduces the concept of alpha (humanities), beta (empirical sciences), gamma (social sciences), and delta (artistic research) sciences.
• Artistic research seen as a novel method engaging with existing fields.

Alternatives to Conventional Research: Sir Christopher Frayling

• Proposed different ways of thinking about art research:
  • Research to Art: Education for professional artists, techniques, and materials.
  • Research Through Art: Research in the field of art and design; systematic inquiry.
  • Research Into Art: Art history and aesthetics.
  • Research For Art: Leads to art production; art embodies the research.
  • Research In Art: Proposed but not yet defined.

Conclusion

• Frayling's "Research for Art" presents a paradox where research is embodied in the art itself.
• Discussion on how this challenges conventional understanding with art being both the research and the final product.
• Presents a shift in how artistic research is perceived, especially in higher-level programs like MFA and PhD.
• Artists are increasingly viewing their process and research as integral to the art itself.

Note: The lecture emphasizes the complexity and ongoing debate surrounding the role and definition of research within the context of visual art and how it interacts with academic frameworks.