Confusions of meaning in the concept of place: an investigation into the role place occupies in influencing the production and reception of the artwork
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Date
27/11/2018Author
Sneddon, Andrew Graeme
Metadata
Abstract
This practice-led research examines ideas surrounding the interpretation of place; the
representation and experience of place are explored in my practice and throughout
the thesis. The practice and thesis develop an interdependent relationship where one
informs the other and each provides a critical platform whereby existing beliefs are
brought into question and new ideas emerge. During the research period the practice
is tested against different circumstances in a variety of situations and novel responses
are generated. The thesis critically analyses approaches to interpreting place through
a number of formats and a variety of sources. Both practice and theory are examined
through peer-reviewed conference papers, artist-in-residence programmes and
publications allowing new ideas to be explored and scrutinized by the academy.
A working method that recognizes the importance and usefulness of serendipity and
sagacity is established, bringing together my practice and the theoretical scope of the
research. My primary focus is to understand and develop critical responses to the
experience and representation of place within the realm of contemporary art practice.
The work of W.G. Sebald and the secondary literature surrounding his work plays a
significant role in providing ways of dealing with the entanglement of knowledge.
Period Drama is both the name of an artwork and the name I have given to a
conference paper. Both explore the convoluted and complex methods involved in
realizing a site-specific work that challenges fiercely-held beliefs about place.
My intention throughout the research has been to examine a variety of approaches
that explore the representation and experience of place within contemporary art
practice. Prominent within this examination has been the highlighting of the need to
belong to a particular place and the sense of displacement generated when this need
to belong is challenged or the nature of this connection is questioned.