Title: Art for Change: Unconventional Narratives, New Perspectives in the Post-Conflict Times
or How does the emergence of Post-Conflict visual culture revise artistic expression and interaction with the viewer, in the context of digital technology progress?
1. Introduction:
· Introduction of the overarching theme of personal trauma and its synesthetic expression through unconventional materials, situated within the context of Post-Conflict Visual Culture.
An unexpected new identity, pain, loss of loved ones, and synesthetic reactions encourage reflecting on the past. My search for a new identity led me to unconventional materials.
Emotions acquired a central place during the conflict. The transition from non-personal, multicopic, post-Internet art, to superpersonal, unique, physical art of post-conflict.
· Highlighting the contemporary context of conflict and its relevance to shaping societal norms, aesthetics, and the evolving landscape of digital culture.
We need to recognise the fact that Propaganda used the digital era to unconditionally influence on the formation of social norms, aesthetics and in general our perception of reality.
The fact of a single horror and world shock (the beginning of the war) is enough to go to a post-conflict state.
Just at such a time, it is extremely important to understand and distinguish, the truth from lies or fake, the original from a copy, identification of the author.
2. Literature Review: Chapter 1
· Exploration of existing literature on synaesthesia in art and its potential impact on emotional expression, contextualized within Post-Conflict Visual Culture.
Questions of recognition of the digital era´s impact, truth, originality, vitality...
Synaesthesia and Affect Theory – connection of the personal sensations and global affect, with the influence of Propaganda. Lynn C. Robertson, Noam Sagiv (2004) Synesthesia + Brian Massumi, 2021, Parables for the Virtual
+ The Affect Theory Reader, 2010 Melissa Gregg
Affect refers to the pre-linguistic and non-conscious forces that shape how we experience and respond to the world. It encompasses a wide range of bodily sensations, emotions, and moods that are felt rather than thought.
Unlike emotions, which are culturally and socially constructed, affect is often considered to be more immediate and embodied, operating at a more fundamental level of human experience.
+ Artie Vierkant The Image Object Post-Internet 2010
+ Cultural influences, cognitive processes or personal beliefs also play a significant role in the formation of emotional expression and perception. Kolk (2014) The Body Keeps the Score
· Review studies on unconventional materials in art and their ability to convey personal narratives, considering their significance in post-conflict artistic expression.
By foregrounding the physicality of art in the post-conflict era, I think my idea resonates with the New Materialisms, which highlight the importance of the body and the material world in shaping aesthetic experiences. + vitality of matter, connectedness of human and non-human entities, material world (sensory engagement) shaping social, cultural, and political phenomena, environmentally and socially sustainable interactions with the material - all of this is not present during the conflict or turned upside down.
Diana Coole, Samantha Frost, 2010. New Materialisms
ü the artist takes responsibility for the risk in choosing such material. The risk is non-recognition, misunderstanding, failure of one’s experience, etc. I´m dealing with a commercial issue – galleries don´t want to show my works with unconventional materials.
ü the productive transfer of narrative occurs because, as a rule, the artist has a personal history with such material. Here element of healing and rebuilding my past memories.
ü unconventional materials themselves can contain a story and therefore they develop into metaphors and symbolic images, which enhances the perception and involvement of the viewer.
ü unconventional materials offer tactile, visual, and sometimes olfactory or auditory sensations that traditional art materials may not provide. This multisensory engagement can intensify viewers' emotional responses and deepen their immersion in the artwork's narrative.
The object. 2014 Antony Hudek. Whitechapel Gallery
Perta Lange-Berndt, 2015 Materiality. Whitechapel Gallery
· Analysis of existing theories on aesthetics and critical thinking in art, integrating insights from contemporary thinkers in the context of conflict and transformation.
Theodor W. Adorno, 2002 Aesthetic Theory
- Adorno argues that art has the potential to disrupt and challenge dominant ideologies by revealing the contradictions and injustices inherent in society.
- He argues that true art resists instrumentalization and commodification, instead offering a space for critical reflection and aesthetic experience.
- Adorno believes that art has the potential to resist the dehumanizing effects of capitalist society by preserving a sense of individuality, subjectivity, and human experience.
- He suggests that true aesthetic experience involves a dialectical interplay between the subjective and the objective, challenging the viewer to confront the complexities and contradictions of the world.
- Adorno argues that genuine aesthetic experience involves both pleasure and discomfort, as it disrupts our preconceptions and forces us to confront the uncomfortable truths of existence.
+ Post-media Aesthetics, Lev Manovich 2001 "Database aesthetics" influences the way we access, manipulate, and interpret cultural content. "Cultural software" shapes our perceptions and behaviours
+ Scarry, Elaine. On beauty and being just (1999) the difference between beauty and aesthetics
+ Traditional techniques and materials are essential for the development of artistic skill and expression and other opinion.
3. Methodology: Chapter 2
· Description of artistic practice, emphasizing the use of unconventional materials, synesthetic expressions, and their resonance in post-conflict narratives. (Detailing of my artistic process and methods for expressing personal trauma through synesthetic experiences. Explanation of the selection and significance of unconventional materials in my practice.)
There's a theme of conflict in my approach and methodology, opposing traditional cultural values. Materials in my works represent a confrontation between fragility and hardness, aesthetics and ugliness, artistically chosen materials and discarded items, as well as synesthetic colour and thoughtful colour. The method of work involves a contrast between monotony and action, and the principle of work reflects destruction and reconstruction, war and peace.
More see the Exercise 1.3: Revisit, Refine.
· Approach to studying viewer engagement, emphasizing the destabilization of traditional methods and the incorporation of collaborative or interactive elements. (Detailing of the process of engaging viewers in critical thinking within my artworks. Discussion about any collaborative or interactive elements in my practice.)
Exploration of a variety of materials and textures in my works, Incorporating symbolic imagery and metaphorical elements, creating site-specific installations (project "Temporary Life") in natural or urban environments, using exquisite colour to evoke emotional responses in abstract works, engagement in conceptual play and intellectual inquiry in my artworks, creating immersive environments or installations that invite viewers to physically interact with the artwork, I tell stories or convey narratives through my artworks.
· Definition of criteria for analysing material usage, emotional connections, and critical thinking within the framework of Post-Conflict Visual Culture. (Outlining my approach to studying the engagement of viewers in contemporary art.)
ü Material Usage:
- Assess the variety and integration of materials into works of art, taking into account their symbolic meaning and historical context.
- Evaluate the manipulation and transformation of materials to convey narratives of conflict, resilience, and transformation.
- Examine the juxtaposition of traditional and unconventional materials, highlighting their role in challenging established norms and fostering innovative artistic expression.
ü Emotional Connections:
- Explore the forces of works of art in obtaining emotional reactions of viewers, from empathy and compassion to discomfort and introspection.
- Investigate how artists employ visual language, symbolism, and metaphor to communicate themes of trauma, loss, and resilience.
- Analyse viewer reactions and interpretations, identifying recurring emotional motifs and their implications for collective memory and healing processes.
ü Critical Thinking:
- The study of intellectual interaction produced by works of art, focusing on their ability to provoke thoughts, stimulate dialogue and challenge perception.
- Examine the use of metaphor, allegory, and intertextuality as tools for fostering critical reflection on complex social issues and historical legacies.
- Consider the role of viewer agency and participatory elements in promoting active interpretation and the co-construction of meaning within post-conflict visual culture.
4. Case Studies: Chapter 3
· Presentation of specific artworks as case studies, dissecting how each piece reflects personal trauma, synesthetic expression, and its impact on societal norms and aesthetics within the context of post-conflict environments. (Analysing how these works communicate personal narratives with global implications. Highlighting instances where personal trauma is expressed synaesthetically and how it challenges societal norms. Discussion on viewer responses and interactions.)
Work "for my mom"
Untitled (Fairy tale)
Duality of Discourse
In red's embrace, chaos sighs through wooden waltz, telling tales of a war, where silence cheers the heartless cause.
Installation “Temporary Life” (will be realised in June 2024)
Tonal Dichotomy
Eternal norms
· Examination of the role of contemporary conflict in influencing artistic expressions, highlighting instances where trauma is expressed synaesthetically and its implications on societal narratives.
Red composition
Behind the fence
Colour of War
5. Analysis: Chapter 4
· Analysis of the societal norms challenged or reinforced by artworks, exploring how engagement with personal trauma and unconventional materials contributes to reshaping aesthetics and critical perspectives in post-conflict settings.
- Beauty Standards: My use of unconventional materials and synesthetic expressions challenges traditional notions of beauty, prompting viewers to reconsider what constitutes aesthetic value.
- Materialism: Through repurposing debris and found materials, my art challenges societal norms of consumerism and materialism, encouraging a reflection on sustainability and resourcefulness.
- Narrative Control: My transformation of newspapers and other media challenges the hegemony of mainstream narratives, inviting viewers to critically examine the information they receive.
- Expression of Emotions: My exploration of personal trauma through art challenges societal norms surrounding the expression of emotions, particularly in cultures where the cult of death for a country of idea and aggression is valued over emotional vulnerability and the value of each life.
- Power Dynamics: By inviting viewers to engage physically with my artworks and consider multiple perspectives ("the 9/6 perspective"), I challenge hierarchical power structures that dictate a singular viewpoint.
The engagement with personal trauma and unconventional materials contributes to reshaping societal norms and aesthetics by:
- Promoting Empathy: My evocation of personal trauma and emotions through art may lead viewers to develop a deeper sense of empathy and understanding for others' experiences, fostering a more compassionate society.
- Encouraging Critical Thinking: My use of unconventional materials and synesthetic expressions prompts viewers to question established norms and think critically about the world around them, leading to greater intellectual engagement and societal change.
- Fostering Creativity: By showcasing unconventional artistic techniques and materials, my works inspire viewers to think creatively and consider alternative perspectives, potentially leading to innovative solutions to social and cultural challenges.
· Exploration of aesthetic shifts and innovations introduced by the research, considering their potential to change perceptions and challenge existing norms in the aftermath of conflict.
- Integration of Unconventional Materials: By incorporating debris, found objects, and building materials into my artworks, I challenge traditional notions of artistic mediums and elevate the aesthetic value of everyday materials. This innovative approach blurs the boundaries between art and life, emphasizing the resilience and transformation inherent in post-conflict environments.
- Synesthetic Expression: Through my exploration of colour, texture, and composition, I evoke synesthetic experiences that transcend traditional visual stimuli. By appealing to multiple senses simultaneously, my artworks engage viewers on a deeper, more immersive level, inviting them to explore the interconnectedness of perception and emotion.
- Narrative Complexity: My artworks offer multifaceted narratives that resist simplistic interpretations and invite nuanced engagement. By incorporating layers of symbolism, metaphor, and cultural references, I create rich tapestries of meaning that encourage viewers to critically reflect on the complexities of post-conflict experiences and their broader societal implications.
- Interactive Elements: Embracing interactive elements and participatory experiences, I invite viewers to actively engage with my artworks and become co-creators of meaning. Whether through physical interaction or digital engagement, these interactive elements foster dialogue, empathy, and collective sense-making, transforming the role of the viewer from passive observer to active participant.
- Digital Integration: Recognizing the influence of digital technology in contemporary life, I explore innovative ways to integrate digital elements into my artistic practice. Whether through digital manipulation of traditional materials, collaborative AI projects, or immersive digital installations, I work with the power of technology to expand the boundaries of artistic expression and audience engagement.
6. Impact and Implications: Chapter 5
· Discussion of broader implications on the intersection of personal trauma, art, and societal norms, focusing on the potential of art to foster critical thinking and societal transformation in post-conflict environments.
- The intersection of personal trauma, art and social norms has deep consequences for the post-conflict environment, offering a unique opportunity for reflection, healing and social transformations. Through art, people can resist and formulate their experience of trauma, contributing to a deeper understanding of the difficulties of the conflict and its consequences. Giving a voice to personal narratives and emotions, art becomes a powerful tool for individual and collective healing, complex narratives and facilitating sympathy and reconciliation.
- At the same time, art can violate the rooted social norms and challenge dominant discourse, opening the space for critical thought and dialogue. Offering alternative prospects and strengthening voices, art can resist historical injustice and represent an alternative future. In a post-conflict environment, where the wounds of war are still raw and deep, art can overcome separation, build sympathy and contribute to understanding between communities.
- In addition, the ability of art to develop critical thinking and creative expression is necessary for post-conflict societies. Encouraging the audience to question the assumption, challenge stereotypes and interact with complex problems, art develops a culture of research and dialogue, laying the basis for sustainable world and social change. Thus, art becomes not only a reflection of social transformation but also a catalyst for it, inspiring people to imagine and accept a more fair and inclusive future.
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7. Conclusion:
· Summarization of key findings and their significance within the framework of Post-Conflict Visual Culture.
· Proposition of future research directions, emphasizing the role of contemporary art in encouraging critical reflection, challenging norms, and fostering societal change.
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