Research Skills & Methods : Writing An Abstract

The second assignment for this module involved writing an abstract, outlining the key aspects of my research, within 250 words. The completed assignment can be found below;

Title

An investigation into the collaboration between art, science and technology (3D computer graphics and animation) in the field of visualisation.

Abstract

The idea of artists and scientists working together to achieve a common goal is not a new one. It is this collaboration that has not only challenged the way we perceive complex technical ideas, but also accelerated pre-existing concepts forwards, into new and exciting territories.

Cox (2008) describes the combination of art, science and technology as a “Renaissance team” – that is, a team that utilises a cross-disciplinary approach, and therefore gains a unique insight into the different ways of approaching a problem and providing appropriate solutions. We are told these ‘Renaissance teams’ often “make significant contributions to new visual research”.

However, this collaboration is not without it’s difficulties. Art and science professionals speak very different ‘languages’. Scientists often undertake quantitative research, and aim to ensure that any data gathered is kept in its purest form, whereas artists tend to be more creative and often leave ideas and concepts open to a viewer’s interpretation. When considering this from a collaborative point of view, we must choose - visualisation or representation.

This thesis will investigate contemporary examples of visualisation, and discuss the techniques and processes involved in creating this kind of work (from an artist’s perspective). Through a combination of discussion and practice-led creation, the author will explore the importance of staying true to scientific data, whilst providing an insight into visualising complex technical data - which would not ordinarily be possible without the collaboration between art, science and technology.

[Word count: 240]

References

Cox, Donna J. (2008). Using the Supercomputer to Visualize Higher Dimensions: An Artist’s Contribution to Scientific Visualization. Leonardo 41(4), 391-400. Retrieved October 8, 2010, from Project MUSE database.