Art Practice as Research, Second Edition continues to present a compelling argument that the creative and cultural inquiry undertaken by artists is a form of research. The text explores themes, practices, and contexts of artistic inquiry and positions them within the discourse of research. Sullivan argues that legitimate research goals can be achieved by choosing different methods than those offered by the social sciences. The common denominator in both approaches is the attention given to rigor and systematic inquiry. Artists emphasize the role of the imaginative intellect in creating, criticizing, and constructing knowledge that is not only new but also has the capacity to transform human understanding.
Preface to the Second Edition Acknowledgments Introduction: Re-Viewing Visual Arts Research Changing Demands of Visual Arts Theory and Practice Art Practice as Research Using Art Practice as Research PART I: CONTEXTS FOR ART PRACTICE AS RESEARCH 1. Pigment to Pixel The Enlightenment as a Research Project Promise of Progress Fractured Realities Conclusion 2. Paradigms Lost Method as Truth Doubting Doctrines The Visual Turn Conclusion 3. Practice and Beyond Theorizing Practice Practice-Based and Practice-Led Research Conclusion PART II: THEORIZING ART PRACTICE AS RESEARCH 4. Art Practice as Research Beyond Knowledge to Understanding Frameworks of Art Practice as Research Art Practice as Relational Research Art Practice as Transformative Research Conclusion 5. Visual Knowing Visual Cognition Visual Arts Knowing: A Framework Visual Arts as Transcognitive Practice A Case Study: Critical Influence Conclusion 6. Artist as Theorist Sites of Making Reemergence of the Artist-Theorist Critical Perspectives and Practices Conclusion PART III: VISUAL ARTS RESEARCH PRACTICES 7. Visualizing Practices A Framework of Visual Arts Practices Visual Practice: Experiences Empirical Inquiry: Exercises Interpretive Discourse: Encounters Critical Process: Enactments Conclusion 8. Visual Arts Projects Exhibition and Performance Visual Arts Research Projects Solid Endings and Liquid Beginnings Uncertain Conclusions References Index
"F. Scott Fitzgerald famously said that the test of a 'first rate intelligence' is 'the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind and still retain the ability to function.' In this book, his magnum opus, artist and scholar Graeme Sullivan shows us a first rate mind at work. He convincingly straddles the often wide gaps between art and science, mind and body, research and practice, teaching and doing, traditional and postmodern views of education and of art, creative and critical thinking. Indeed, as his enigmatic title indicates, he is actually able to keep three usually disparate concepts-art, research, and practice-in mind at the same time. Through his skilled use of compelling sidebars and apt illustrations, Sullivan shows that he can practice what he preaches. I have been arguing with and learning from Graeme for thirty years and am grateful that he has the opportunity to share his provocative ideas and insights with a wider readership. Indeed, whether or not we agree with every contention, he heightens our own intelligences." -- Howard Gardner
