The Problem of Objectivity and the Artistic Conception of the Participant Observer: thoughts on using Lacan’s psychological model of representation in the documentation of creative arts practice as research

Authors

Lindsay Vickery, LASALLE-SIA College of the ArtsFollow

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publisher

Edith Cowan University

Comments

Refereed paper from the Creative Connections symposium held at ECU in conjunction with the Biennial of Electronic Arts Perth on September 4th, 2004.

Abstract

This paper discusses issues relating to suitability of the artist as a participant observer researcher. It considers the fitness of the artist as a dependable witness in the process of production of their work. The Lacanian concepts of Real/Imaginary /Symbolic (RIS) and the matrix of the four discourses are examined as a potential source of validation for the participant observer model. Comparisons between this approach and the ‘gold standard’ of scientific research are made.