The presence of absence

Hegarty, Sebastiane Paul Michael (2002) The presence of absence. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Abstract

This has been a creative practice based research degree.  The title of my research project is The Presence of Absence.  The research question is - how is the past made tangible in the present and further, what is the relationship of memory to space and objects?

The research outcomes include installation; sound-works; a Research Archive, which houses all audio-visual documentation and reference material relating to the research project; and a performed audio-visual presentation in the form of a lecture.

This text is divided into three parts, prefaced by the Guide to the Research Archive.  The purpose of the Research Archive is to provide an audience with a method of access to the research.  This has been achieved through the taxonomy of the Research Archive, which locates, organises, and contextualises the research material, establishing a system of navigation through which the research is made accessible.  The structure of the archive is outlined in the Guide to the Research Archive.

Part 1 of this text provides an introduction to the research project and the art works that derive from it.  The introduction discusses my investigation of the relationship of memory of our perception of time, place, and self.  This investigation has drawn on other disciplines, which are neuropsychological investigations pertaining to memory; literature; Cinema and film; philosophy (principally the writing of Gaston Bachelard), and music/sound.  The introduction also discusses my work in the context of contemporary art practice, with particular emphasis given to installation and the work of sound artists/composers.

The audio-visual presentation is included as part 2 of this text and is presented in the form of an illustrated score for reading accompanied by an audio CD of sound illustrations.  The presentation provides a re-examination of the research in time, utilising the Research Archive as an audio-visual resource and integrating related textual research material.

Part 3 of this text lists the additional research sources and resources, including a bibliography.

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