The Absenting Subject

research notes on PhDs in Fine Art

Chapman, Neil ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8253-0256 and Macleod, Katy (2014) The Absenting Subject. Journal of Visual Arts Practice, 13 (2). pp. 138-149. ISSN 1470-2029

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Abstract / Summary

This article draws on a research study of submitted PhDs and interviews with a small group of artist/researchers. Research processes adopted by this diverse group manifest an exacting scrutiny of what it means to undertake research, that is, how research process can conceive of a subject of inquiry and adequately approach that subject. We find a high level of questioning about the legitimacy of research methodological assumptions about how and in what ways research methods become valid. For instance, is research that pursues and reinforces a proposed subject more useful to a depth of practice than one that resists any resolved confirmation of its subject because that subject is porous to its prevailing conditions both internal and external? We propose that such accountability, in relation to more conventional approaches to research, is entirely relevant to the development of vital research cultures in Fine Art. The research was undertaken collaboratively. Katy McLeod selected the case studies and conducted interviews with the researchers in question. Neil Chapman wrote the paper in draft, in response to the recorded interviews, which was then adjusted and added to by Katy McLeod. A final edit was established through discussion. The research was funded by Kingston University, UK.

Item Type:	Article
Identification Number:	10.1080/14702029.2014.959722
Additional Information:	This article draws on a research study of submitted PhDs and interviews with a small group of artist/researchers. Research processes adopted by this diverse group manifest an exacting scrutiny of what it means to undertake research, that is, how research process can conceive of a subject of inquiry and adequately approach that subject. We find a high level of questioning about the legitimacy of research methodological assumptions about how and in what ways research methods become valid. For instance, is research that pursues and reinforces a proposed subject more useful to a depth of practice than one that resists any resolved confirmation of its subject because that subject is porous to its prevailing conditions both internal and external? We propose that such accountability, in relation to more conventional approaches to research, is entirely relevant to the development of vital research cultures in Fine Art. The research was undertaken collaboratively. Katy McLeod selected the case studies and conducted interviews with the researchers in question. Neil Chapman wrote the paper in draft, in response to the recorded interviews, which was then adjusted and added to by Katy McLeod. A final edit was established through discussion. The research was funded by Kingston University, UK.
ISSN:	1470-2029
Subjects:	Education Creative Art & Design > Fine Art Research History, Geography & Environment Literature Communication > Journalism
Courses by Department:	The Falmouth School of Art
Depositing User:	Neil Chapman
Date Deposited:	08 May 2015 13:20
Last Modified:	18 Nov 2024 15:06
URI:	https://repository.falmouth.ac.uk/id/eprint/1572

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