- Title
- A kinship of creatures : Exploring the mutuality of lived experience
- Creator
- Ní Shíocháin, Máirín
- Date
- 2017
- Type
- Text; Thesis; PhD
- Identifier
- http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/165535
- Identifier
- vital:13316
- Identifier
- https://library.federation.edu.au/record=b2743756
- Abstract
- This practice-led research explores questions of interspecies empathy, mutuality and kinship within the context of visual art. The study is situated broadly within the cross-disciplinary field of Animal Studies and espouses an animal advocacy stance within contemporary arts practice. It addresses concerns about the role of animals in contemporary art and proposes that creating art should not subordinate the ethical treatment of animals. The parameters of this investigation are defined by empathy theory, or Einfühlung. This was deemed an appropriate foundation to underpin the research given its historical association with aesthetic perceptions of works of art as well as empathic responses to other living entities including non-humans. Einfühlung and other contributing conceptual frameworks, including compassionate conservation and animal individuality are thoroughly evaluated in a review of relevant literature. Current arts practice in which the ‘animal’ plays a role is critically examined. The consequences for animals in contemporary art are more often malign than benign and this contrasts with progressive thinking about animal sentience in other areas of philosophical research. In a distillation of the above theoretical concepts, the research further references issues relating to selective application of care for non-human animals, in which the level of consideration is often dependent on human perceptions of the creatures’ status, for example native or introduced animals. The results of the research were revealed through a body of practical work including sculpture, collage, prints and artists’ books which depict a variety of animals and birds, both native and non-native, encountered as part of everyday experience; a visual exploration in which human-perspective classification of animals does not play a part.; Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- Federation University Australia
- Rights
- Copyright Máirín Ní Shíocháin
- Rights
- This metadata is freely available under a CCO license
- Subject
- Kinship; Visual art; Animal studies
- Thesis Supervisor
- Wilson, Carole
- Hits: 1251
- Visitors: 1086
- Downloads: 2
| Thumbnail | File | Description | Size | Format |
|---|