Research as Art
Definition
This term refers to the practice of using research, data, and inquiry as the basis for creating artworks, often blurring the boundaries between art, science, and scholarship. Research-based art often involves the collection, analysis, and presentation of information in visual or conceptual form, exploring themes of knowledge, discovery, and the role of art in understanding the world.
History
The concept of research as art has gained prominence in contemporary art, where artists like Mark Dion and Trevor Paglen use their work to explore scientific, historical, and social themes through a research-based approach. These artists often collaborate with scientists, historians, and other experts, using their findings as the foundation for creating works that engage with complex issues and invite viewers to consider the role of art in the production of knowledge.
Notable Examples
Trevor Paglen
They Watch the Moon, 2010
Key Artists & Movements
Key figures include Mark Dion, known for his installations that mimic scientific displays and explore themes of natural history, taxonomy, and the relationship between humans and nature, and Trevor Paglen, a contemporary artist whose work often involves research into surveillance, data, and the invisible infrastructures of power.
Techniques & Materials
Techniques involve the collection, analysis, and visual representation of data, information, or research findings. Artists may use traditional media, such as drawing and sculpture, as well as digital tools, video, and installation to present their research in an artistic context. Research-based art often challenges traditional distinctions between art and science, emphasizing the role of inquiry, investigation, and critical thinking in the creation of art. These works invite viewers to engage with complex, often interdisciplinary issues, creating a space for reflection, exploration, and dialogue.
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