Thinking About Question 5

I have been thinking a lot about my research question and I still don’t like it.  I am completely stumped by how to best answer this question.  Initial discussions in seminars have left me even more confused as the subject of “materiality” is so wide; it is literally everything.  Another issue I have is what it is and what it isn’t; it is objects but it is also a philosophical construct and it also pertains to our senses….. I am confused.

As I seem to have developed quite an interest in looking at disability through my work I (I never realised how important and interesting disability rights were to me until now) I am contemplating using this to answer the research question.

I am producing work that will be involved in a dementia awareness exhibition and so I am contemplating incorporating that somehow into my research; looking at ideas about the social model of disability and the work of Professor Oliver (UKs first disability studies professor).

I am also very interested in exploring how materiality relates to autism.  Mainly due to the problems those with ASD have with the sensory properties of most materials.

I am also considering looking at the work of craftivists who use materiality to make us question the norms and rules of the society we inhabit.  Also the way they turn a rather traditional and staid artform on its head.  Also the way this turns it into a group experience rather than a solitary one.

Ken has suggested that it would be a good idea to incorporate as many research methodologies as I can into the research framework to build up my own body of work rather than just presenting a literature review.  to this end I have already arranged to interview Simone about the work she did for MEDIATE