Water and the Visual Arts at University Of Plymouth
The core priority of the LAND/WATER research group is support for the development of individual creative and critical practices. As artists, curators and writers we generate original objects and messages that question, reconsider and renew the nature and use of visual language. These works contribute both to contemporary academic debates within artistic and curatorial practices, and to understanding within related areas of experience and knowledge. Our approach is increasingly interdisciplinary and collaborative. Through exhibitions, books and installations we establish a direct dialogue with the public, often in new and unusual locations and environments. Central concerns include: sustainability; representation of change; journey, place and visual practice; West Country and regional specificity. There is particular focus on coast as a littoral space, and interest in exploring relations between site – theme – art process – narrative.
Creative practice is now recognised and understood as a field of academic research and has changed significantly as a result. Over the past eight years we have established a strong base for the group through individual works, commissions, residencies, exhibitions, publications, discussions and debates and research studentships and supervision. Members of the group work internationally through research, professional practice and exhibition. Living in the South-West of Britain nonetheless crucially informs modes of research and visual perception.
The intentions of the research group are to:
contribute to knowledge and understanding within the field of landscape studies especially in relation to landscape practices
foster creativity, debate and experimentation within the field
enhance the international academic profile of group members, individually and collectively
develop collaborations both within and beyond the discipline, nationally and internationally
promote our research to an international constituency through conferences, seminars, publications and joint projects
foster postgraduate taught and research opportunities within the University, which have a significant focus on landscape and environment
Tags: academic debates, curatorial practices, individual works, international constituency, theme art, west country