A research group (in Dutch “lectoraat”) consists of various members of the professional education staff and one or more external specialists in the domain concerned. The group is chaired by a professor (the Dutch word is “lector”). Each research group’s goal is to generate and apply research in a specific area of expertise. Furthermore, the research group promotes the exchange of knowledge between the educational staff and the relevant professional fields.
Visual Rhetoric of Graphic Design
Cultural Position and Function of the Visual Artist
Research Group Visual Rhetoric of Graphic Design
Period: 2007 – 2010.
This summary outlines the knowledge domain, background and organisation of the research group Visual Rhetoric of Graphic Design.
The research groups domain
The research group addresses the development of knowledge within the domain of graphic design and specifically focuses on the field of visual rhetoric. The main question is: how do visual means strategically persuade people?
Aim
In the period between 2007 and 2010, “the strategic persuasion of people by visual means” is investigated by looking at both the design process and the ways in which the results are used. The underlying question is: how can knowledge about the user and usage contribute to improvements of graphic design? In other words: do graphic designers have to listen to readers in order to successfully persuade a reader? A secondary aim of asking this question is to clarify the user/reader’s importance for the quality of a graphic design. This is necessary if we wish to establish the real effects and real importance of the design of visual information.
Content structure
The focus will be on developing new knowledge and distributing existing knowledge. There is sufficient knowledge about graphic design available in both practice and literature. However, this knowledge is not easily accessible for teachers, students and professional practitioners. Therefore a series of readers on various subjects within graphic design is being produced. Also, we need to develop new knowledge by conducting research into both design practice and the interpretation of visual knowledge. One of the main current projects is a field study of design practice within the city of Breda. This study focuses on both methods and quality criteria that are used in commercial practice.
Organisational structure
The research group consists of a professor, a project group and supporting staff. The various projects are realized by the members of the project group: lecturers graphic Design (BA and MA) and external participants. A committee, consisting of the management of the university and three experts in content and strategy, provides guidance to the research group on a policy level. The committee also provides regular feedback on ideas and findings.
Content scope
Related disciplines are: design research, design history and critique, user research, cultural history, visual culture, linguistics and literary theory, communication theory, applied psychology, sociology, philosophy, rhetoric, product design, advertising, and marketing. People in these disciplines are actively approached to support the development of readers and to collaborate in studies.
Organisational scope
The following organisations are actively involved in some of the studies and projects: Museum de Beyerd, Premsela Foundation, BNO, ELIA, NAGO, TU Eindhoven, TU Delft, University of Amsterdam, University Tilburg, University of Leiden, FH Joanneum (Graz, Austria).
Output
The activities of the research group will result in presentations, publications, and readers. The library and websites will be extended. We will also formulate advice in the field of education and research.
More information
An extended activity description of the research group is available in Dutch.
For more information please contact:
Wilma Diepens – assistant of the Research Group
Rens Holslag – projectmanager Research Groups
mail to: visueleretorica.akvstjoost@avans.nl
t: +31 76 5 250 370 (Monday to Wednesday)
Research Group Cultural Position and Function of the Visual Artist
Period 2004 – 2008
This summary outlines the knowledge domain, background and organisation of the research group Cultural Position and Function of the Visual Artist.
The research groups domain
The research group addresses the development of knowledge within the domain of the Fine Art. Specifically, it addresses the development of knowledge of and insight into the cultural position and function of the visual artist, distinguishing two aspects:
a. visual art – visual culture – design culture
b. the myth of the artist
Working period
The research group was granted government support for a working period of three years. This period has ended in February 2008. Some final activities are carried out to end all projects with the expected results; in most cases a publication combined with a lecture or a study meeting. A second working period of four years (2008 / 2012) started in May. A work plan for that period consists of new projects within the given domain.
Organisational structure
The research group is made up of the professor, a project group and a supporting staff. The various research projects have been realized by the members of the project group: a combination of lecturers from the academy (BA/MA) and external researchers. There is a network for collaboration and exchange with partner institutes. A committee, consisting of the management of the university and three experts in both content and strategy, has provided guidance to the research group on a policy level. The committee also provided regular feedback on ideas and findings.
Content
The research and activities address the cultural position and function of the visual artist. The following research areas have been defined:
- the myth of the artist
- visual art – visual culture – design culture
- art education – ideas and expectations among lecturers and students
- theory and research in higher education
- vocational theory in the BA course
- the image of the artist in fashion photography
- the decline of the studio; the architectural status and identity of the contemporary artist’s studio
- the myth of the personal – the case of ‘Holleman’ and ‘Rodin’
Research group
Camiel van Winkel (professor), Thomas Bakker, Iris Bouwmeester, Erik Hagoort, Bas van den Hurk, George Korsmit, Jacob Lekkerkerker, Jacqueline Overberg, Ad van Rosmalen, Pietje Tegenbosch, Norman Trapman.
Content scope
Related disciplines: art history, art theory, cultural history, cultural philosophy, cultural sociology, didactics, cultural studies, visual studies.
Output
The research and activities resulted in: readers, essays, publications, reports, proposals and advice with regard to curriculum innovation, lectures, seminars, workshops/discussions, a (biennial) lecture by a renowned artist.
More information
An extended activity description of the research group is available in Dutch.
For more information please contact:
Wilma Diepens – assistant of the Research Group
Rens Holslag – projectmanager Research Groups
mail to: lectoraatbeeldendekunst.akvstjoost@avans.nl
t: +31 76 5 250 370 (Monday to Wednesday)
Research Group Photographic Viewpoints
Period 2005-2009
This summary outlines the knowledge domain, background and organisation of the research group Photographic Viewpoints.
The research groups domain
The research group addresses the development of knowledge within the domain of photography. Main issues are the different viewpoints of photographers concerning the photographic or artistic practice.
Organisational structure
The research group consists of a professor, a project group and a supporting staff. The various projects are realized by the members of the project group: a combination of photography lecturers at the Academy (BA/MA) and external researchers. A committee, consisting of the management of the university and three experts in both content and strategy, provides guidance to the research group on a policy level and gives regular feedback on ideas and findings.
Content structure
The research group’s general aim is the development of knowledge of, and insight into, the professional practice of photographers, in such a way that it contributes to the further (theoretical) development of knowledge in the field of photography and its place within art education, specifically in the Netherlands.
‘Photographic Viewpoints’ focuses on the personal identity of the photographer, as well as the changing role of photography in society, on the balance between reality and fiction in the photographic image and/or on a substantiated selection of photo techniques and forms of presentation.
The following research areas and activities have been defined:
- The Past in the Present (the topicality of history and of historical imagery in today’s photographic and artistic practice);
- Ideology and national identity (a case study about the way various Dutch photographers have visualized Germany since 1945);
- Private Identity (the various forms of representation of family life by professional photographers);
- Fact and fiction in relation to (the history of) documentary photography;
- The innocent eye (the growing use of the snapshot ‘aesthetic’ by professional photographers and art designers);
- Vernacular photography as a neglected theme in our study of the history of photography.
Research group
Flip Bool – professor
Vanessa van Dam – external researcher, graphic designer
Meike Eggers – research assistant – MA student
Martin van den Oever – external researcher, photographer
Marga Rotteveel – study coordinator MA Photography at akv st joost
Martine Stig – lecturer MA Photography at akv st joost, photographer
Frank van der Stok – freelance curator and lecturer MA Photography at akv st joost, art historian
Content scope
Related disciplines: art history, cultural history, cultural sociology, cultural studies, visual studies, folklore, anthropology.
Organisational scope
Besides other disciplines within akv st joost, Avans Hogeschool (notably graphic and audio-visual design), the most important collaborative partners are: the Nederlands Fotomuseum, Erasmus University – Rotterdam, Leiden University, photography courses and research groups in other branches of art education.
Output
The research and activities will result in readers, essays, exhibitions, publications, conferences, research reports, workshops, discussions, and proposals and advice with regard to curriculum innovation.
More information
An extended activity description of the research group is available in Dutch.
For more detailed information please contact:
Wilma Diepens – assistant to the Research Group
Rens Holslag – projectmanager Research Groups
mail to: lectoraatfotografie.akvstjoost@avans.nl
t: +31 76 5 250 370 (Monday to Wednesday)
