Alice Motte-Munoz
Relationship between observation and interpretation, & the observer's self-projection, within a contemporary multi-cultural art practice

MRes

Summary
Additional Info
Body of Research
Conclusion
Artist Statement

Summary

Through practice-based research, I sought to question how much observation is interpretation, whether observation is always interpretation, or if it never is. Two main threads to lead me through this quest were to see if and how the line, especially when used in figurative art, offers some form of self-projection, and thus to what extent can we implant ourselves into another space. Furthermore, does this become a form of self-recognition?

Additional info

I chose to do a practice-based dissertation, versus a purely words-based dissertation, as I wanted to be able to juxtapose both a written essay and the actual physical use of my body to understand the relationship between my research in a written format and an arts-based format. The methodology I used in my dissertation was based on several case studies, by observing some drawings of Louise Bourgeois, Chantal Joffe and Tracey Emin, as well as my own drawing practice. I aimed to offer an investigative approach that was both reflective and reflexive. I used a combination of art critical reviews as well as interview extracts to do so in my analysis of the works I focused on. I chose this methodology as I believe it is interesting and eye-opening to approach things from several angles. In this case, it would be from the perspective of an academic art critic, other academic art critics or journalists, a living artist, and the statements of artists both currently alive and from the past. I focused on drawing with various materials, often on paper, because of its immediacy regarding the application of the line.

Body of Research

This focus of this research was partly inspired by Dr Tim Ingold, who stated in a lecture at the Royal College of Art in 2020 that "To observe is not enough, to merely look at things we have to join them and follow (…) Observation goes beyond objectivity, and that is what allows truth to go beyond facts". Through my explorations, I challenged myself to capture the essence of the sitter or the subject matter.

Conclusion

Through this investigation, I suggest that observation is very often interpretation. The dissertation guided the practice, and the practice also guided the dissertation: both were deeply intertwined, influencing one another in various rhythms. The line, when used in visual art, often seems to offer some kind of self-projection of the artist, and an implementation of herself or himself into another space. Could it thus be said that many artworks are self-portraits?

Louise Bourgeois, *Ode à ma mère*, (*Ode to my Mother)*, 1995, Dry Point on Plate

Chantal Joffe, *Esme Sewing*, 2016, Pastel Drawing on Paper

Tracey Emin, *My lips moved across your face*, 2015, Drawing on canvas

Alice Motte-Muñoz, *Cuts and Wings*, Photography on Paper (150x170cm)

Alice Motte-Muñoz,*Trinity,* Photograph on Paper

Alice Motte-Muñoz, *Self Portrait*, Photograph on Paper

Alice Motte-Muñoz, *Portrait*, Drawing, Graphite on Paper

Alice Motte-Muñoz, *Portrait of dwarf comedian*, Charcoal on paper

Alice Motte-Muñoz, *Portrait of dwarf comedian*, Graphite on see-through paper

Alice Motte-Muñoz, *Pose or* *Pause?*, Photograph on paper

Alice Motte-Muñoz, *Caress*, Photograph on paper

Alice Motte-Muñoz, *Reflections*, photograph

Alice Motte-Muñoz, *Rest*, Graphite and charcoal on paper

Alice Motte-Muñoz, *Élan,* graffiti on paper

Alice Motte-Muñoz, *Self-Portrait*, photograph

Alice Motte-Muñoz, *Eye and I*, photograph

Alice Motte-Muñoz, *Portrait*, Graphite on paper

Artist Statement

One of my major areas of research is grace. Through some of my art, I wish for the viewer to feel a sense of empathy and accountability. I aim to create art that celebrates what makes us both unique and united, as I find beauty and challenge in diversity. I explore ways in which to celebrate both artistic tradition and innovation, as well as our humanity, through the subject-matter as well as the medium. I seek to work with more sustainable materials, and to encourage viewers and listeners to be aware of the power they have within themselves.