#topic exploration

[recsspecs]

A good structure is something you can trust.

It relieves you from the burden of remembering and keeping track of everything. If you can trust the system, you can let go of the attempt to hold everything together in your head and you can start focusing on what is important: The content, the argument and the ideas. By breaking down the amorphous task of “writing a paper” into small and clearly separated tasks, you can focus on one thing at a time, complete each in one go and move on to the next one . A good structure enables flow, the state in which you get so completely immersed in your work that you lose track of time and can just keep on going as the work becomes effortless (Csikszentmihalyi, 1975). Something like that does not happen by chance.

- How to Take Smart Notes (Sönke Ahrens)

[disucikan-blog]

Topic Exploration: Engaging With Art: Reading, Thinking, and Writing

Step 1:  Defining your Purpose

1)  What do you see the purpose of this module as being?

The purpose of this module is to go beyond the surface level value of an artwork to unveil the core ideas, motifs and relevance behind an artist’s intention. I believe that it will be a crucial foundation in establishing an academic basis of an artistic process. 

2)  What do you see the purpose of art writing as being?

Writing a paper allows one to articulate and justify thoughts, ideas, research and stance in an informed academic medium. This is not only for themselves but for others. A paper is a vehicle that should insight and shed lights on topics that might otherwise be too complex to explain purely by mouth.  

Step 2:  Brainstorming (about yourself)

1)  What kinds of things inspire you in your own artmaking (This can be visual, political, cultural, social, material, etc)? What made you choose to study art in the first place? Think about what kind of art you enjoy making.

Inspiration comes in many shapes and forms. Visual culture such as moving images, photography, written poetry, new media artworks and traditional artwork often evokes my artistic side to create. Verbal culture such as music, spoken words and conversations I have with people are great catalyst to further explore a subject as well.

Art has always been a medium of expression  of mine since I was young. I would use performance, clothing and drawings to convey my thoughts and emotions. As it has always been an integral part of my identity, it was only natural for me to pursue art further at university level.

I enjoy creating in a variety of mediums as I believe an artist should never feel too comfortable in their craft. I enjoy exploring photography, film, installations, painting on canvas, textiles and performance art.

2)  What kinds of artistic approaches have captured your attention in your own coursework? 

I thoroughly enjoy working with mixed media pieces on canvas, particularly with acrylic, oils and inks. I appreciate contemporary, abstract art and hope to further explore this particular artistic approach.

Step 3:  Asking questions (about others) 

1)  What topics in your classes have you found the most interesting?

Moving images, installation art, and cultural and historical studies are topics I find most interesting.

2)  Look at types/ styles/ movements of art that interests you, look at artists who interest you. What is it about the work that interests you specifically?

I am attracted to artworks that are visually emotive with vivid colour palettes. I am also drawn to works that engage with elements of other cultures, especially from the viewpoint of females.

3)  What kinds of artistic approaches do you think you would feel most comfortable using in your thesis?

I would feel most comfortable exploring paintings, textiles, photography and sculpture/installation in my thesis. 

4)  Is there a particular problem or debate you have read about that you would like to know more? The whole concept of “purification” is a topic I would like to explore further, especially through a more culturally-focused lens.