Mapping applied visual art: a research journey in the streams of art and design

Abstract

The research process behind the master´s degree thesis in Applied Visual Art (AVA) was divided into three main parts, due to the research questions; firstly, the thesis focused on defining the concept of Applied Visual Art (AVA), starting with on the definition given by the master´s degree programme (University of Lapland) and also on the experiences in AVA. Secondly, the concept of AVA was located within the fields of contemporary art and design. The historical development of art and design and their relationship were discussed, enabling to find the location for AVA practices. Thirdly, the thesis looked into the meaning of visualization in AVA research process. The visualization is included as a part of the process by creating an artistic part for the thesis.

The main research strategy was action research, as the aim was to define AVA and the place for its practice through practical experiments. These experiments provided the possibility to observe and redevelop the concept of AVA. There were three practical experiments (action research cycles) conducted during the research journey. First two took place in Northern Finland (Inari, Rovaniemi and Ii) and the final in Scotland (Ayr), during my exchange studies.

As a result of the process, the practices of AVA were located in the fields of contemporary art and design.