Art-based Inquiry
Art-based Inquiry
Art-based Inquiry is a research method that employs art making and art works for the investigation and understanding of complicated issues. The method of inquiry underscores the role of imagination and the interpretation that is subjective, thus, it is possible to capture the essence of the human beings' and social phenomena on a much deeper level.
What are the main components of Art-based Inquiry?
Generally, art-based inquiry fuses three features: the artistic medium, the inquiry process, and the reflective practice. Artistic mediums that can be used include visual arts, performance, or literature, which are the exploring tools. The inquiry process which is also characterized by teamwork is inevitable for it involves participants in dialogue and reflection, while reflective practice serves as an avenue that leads to the deeper understanding and interpretation of the findings.
How can Art-based Inquiry be applied in educational settings?
In educational settings, Art-based Inquiry can strengthen the learning process by allowing learners to explain their perceptions of difficult subjects through the use of creativity. For instance, a history class could tell stories or play dramas to depict historical events which would enable the students to see the issues emotionally and thoughtfully. This strategy improves essential thinking skills, so students collaborate and express themselves personally. The outcome is more profound learning.
What are some examples of Art-based Inquiry in practice?
Community art projects, where people paint murals together to tell the stories of the local community, and theater productions, which are based on the theme of social justice, are forms of Art-based Inquiry. One example is a project on the theme of documentary theater which could involve community members telling their stories related to immigration, and spicing it up with a performance that would educate the people and provoke questions.
What are the benefits of using Art-based Inquiry in research?
Collecting different viewpoints and eliciting feelings that the regular ways might ignore are other advantages of using Art-based Inquiry in research. Along with the other studies where people produce art to share their trauma or healing, it is also the case in this research where the participants’ artwork reveals the deep insights and more comprehensive narratives in the results.