Research Degree Title

From the Map to the Journey – The Transfer between Dimensions Represented in Book Form

Supervisors

CJ Rose

Prof GM Hardie

Aims of Investigation

Research questions:

• What is the intrinsic property of the transfer undertaken by the human mind between two- and three-dimensional information?
• What is the “transfer between dimension” experience and what are the creative possibilities contained in this process?
• How can I provide a creative and efficient approach via book form to encourage people in general to appreciate and exercise their own “transfer between dimension” experience?

Aims:

• To search through the issues of the understanding of Dimension in different disciplines.
• To define and explore the various existing understanding of “Transfer between Dimensions”.
• To design books that can communicate the concept of “Transfer between Dimensions” to the general public.

Abstract

In mathematical terms, Dimension is used to define characteristics of objects, and usually refers to spatial properties. It also metaphorically refers to concept, discipline, and aspect. In the latter cases, Dimension usually implies a whole system of thinking with certain degree of complexity. Thus, to master the knowledge within a Dimension requires concentration and training, and at the same time occupies the person’s mind from comprehending other systems of thinking.

In this research, I look into the moment when the Transfer between different Dimensions occurs, and takes place in various levels from mechanical to the psychological and metaphorical ones. The basis of discussion is the use of maps as guidance for moving in the environment. When using a map, necessary Transfer happens in human mind, for example, the two- and three-dimensional visual information needs to be coordinated – the former is on the map and the latter in the environment. There is also transfer in psychological level – between expectation and experience, between physical events and metaphorical interpretations, etc. Examples that reflect different types of Transfer between Dimensions are carefully chosen for dissected and represented visually. This research will show the often overlooked Transfers that operate in our visual experience, and provide the insight of the advantages of conceptually Transfer between different Dimensions. It may also provide the insight considering the creative process in human mind.

The medium used in this practice-based PhD study is Artists’ Book. As an object, book possesses both two- and three-dimensional properties as well as sensory properties other then visual ones, and all of them can be integrated. I will design six books to demonstrate the Transfer between Dimensions by means of integrating the visual and other sensory elements. These efforts will also broaden the strategies that can be used in book form.

The final form of the thesis will be a set of five Artists’ Books with a volume of written component, all together put in a black, cubic box. The black box is a metaphor of the human mind, in which most of the cognitive processes from perception to reasoning are still unknown to scientists. The whole set of works will show both the practice and conceptual sides of this project, and complete the arguments in this research.