Like other forms of research, artistic research processes can be divided into three parts: The research originates from a question which is explored through a process, which again is shared within the community.
The questions underpinning artistic research often stem from amazement or curiosity which the artist or the musician develops within his or her own practice. This “area of curiosity” is then explored, tested and reflected on, alone or together with others.
The working methods employed mirror the nature of the project, and follow the artistic practice in question. The processes that emerge from this require curiosity and a will to experiment with the aim of exploring new perspectives and possibilities.
The sharing of new insights which stem from the artistic process can happen orally, in written form, through concert presentations, video or sound recordings or in other relevant ways. Sharing of ideas while the process is still ongoing allows other people’s experiences and ideas to become part of the work and may contribute new perspectives. Making artistic research publicly available may happen internally at NMH, using a variety of formats, or at national or international arenas or through digital platforms.
Artistic research at NMH may involve exploration and development of, for example:
- practices relating to interpretation
- instrumental practices
- improvisational practices
- traditional musical practices
- practices of composition
- historical practices
- technological practices
- musical roles
- creative and co-creative practices
- radical and profoundly revolutionary practices
- new artistic or musical contexts and connections
- interdisciplinary and interartistic explorations
- artistic investigations that thematise aesthetic, curatorial, social, political and philosophical questions
- other relevant practices and projects
There are many ways in which artistic processes may be opened up and shared with others. Good examples can be found in the overview of completed PhD projects in artistic research at NMH or in the larger artistic research projects at the institution. You will also find such projects by browsing the expositions displayed in the international sharing portal Research Catalogue, or in the Nordic journal of artistic research, Vis Journal.
Here are a few examples of different formats for sharing:
- Søren Rastogi (RDAM in Copenhagen) shows processes of practicing through short video clips. In this video, he talks about the project and here you may follow him in one of his practice sessions.
- Morten Qvenild opened up processes in the project “HyPersonal Piano” through an open log.
- Karin Hellqvist has described collaborative processes which she engaged in together with a composer in this article.
- Liv Kristin Holmberg has shared from the project “Kunstliturgien” among other things through dialogic texts.
- Øyvind Brandtsegg (NTNU) shows his own work processes by combining short texts and sound clips.