Situated encounters with light

This PhD focusses on light-based art encounters with art that challenge preconception. Offering an understanding of how shifting perceptions in an artwork’s presence can connect visitors with artists in psychologically affecting ways, the research examines how artworks can  engage visitors through strange light phenomenon, with an aim to share in the wonder of the material world of light. Perceptual shift is identified as a situated perspective of art that is unique to bodily experiences of the artwork. Competing perceptual interpretations inhabit some works, as light and image-based observation compete for attention, while others are invested with changeover moments of discovery for gallery visitors to unveil.  Through the analysis of these encounters the investigative nature of art is fed back to studio practice. Unexpected interactions between light, heat and tactile materials are used to generate outcomes that are challenging to both artist and visitor. This research interweaves a critical analysis of artworks, theoretical investigation of situated psychology, neuroscientific studies and studio-based investigations into the materiality of light.  This bricoleur’s workshop of theory and practice are woven together in a series of artistic outputs that glow with the knowledge they were made to be investigated, to couple with visitors, sharing the experiential nature of the discoveries made through this project.