Artists, designers and researchers are increasingly seeking new ways to understand and explore the creative and practical significance of the senses. This ground-breaking book brings art and design into the field of sensory studies providing a clear introduction to the field and outlining important developments and new directions. A compelling exploration of both theory and practice, Sensory Arts and Design brings together a wide variety of examples from contemporary art and design which share a sensory dimension in their development or user experience. Divided into three parts, the book examines the design applications of new technology with sensing capacities; the role of the senses in creating new imaginative environments; and the significance of the senses within different cultural practices. The thirteen chapters cover a highly diverse range of issues – from the urban environment, architecture and soundscapes to gustatory art, multisensory perception in painting, music and drawing, and the relationship between vision and smell. Initiated by Insight, a research group at Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts –widely recognised as a center of research excellence – the project brings together a team of experts from Britain, Europe and North America. This timely book is destined to make a significant contribution to the scholarly development of this emerging field. An important read for students and scholars in sensory studies, design, art, and visual culture.
Biography
Ian Heywood is Research Fellow at the Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts, Lancaster University, UK
"If, like the contributors to this volume, you have ever felt that Western culture values vision too highly at the expense of other senses or multisensorial approaches, then you will certainly find this anthology thought provoking and enlightening. - Journal of the Anthropological Society of Oxford This impressive and comprehensive collection of original essays follows and radicalizes what David Howes called the sensory turn, deepening the analysis and hugely expanding the range of sensory and cultural phenomena that has been covered by the study of the senses in art and design until now. - Malcolm Barnard, Loughborough University, UK This edited collection of essays on the relationship between the senses, arts and design is a long awaited addition to the ‘sensory turn’ in the arts, human and social sciences. Bringing together artists, critics and theorists, Sensory Arts and Design offers thought-provoking and challenging texts on how sensory thinking and sensory engagements underpin the cultural life of artefacts, artistic practice and design. This exciting diversity of essays provides an important resource for anyone interested in expanding their sensory knowledge within the field of art practice and design as well as those looking for inspiring creative methods. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the interactions between the senses, art and culture. - Monica Degen, Brunel University London, UK"
