PhD Study : An investigation into the parameters of Installational Practice within the expanded fields of Fine Art Photography and Painting

Summary

This topic investigates new parameters for installational practice, made possible in relationship with the 2-dimensional forms of fine art photography and / or painting, to explore and test the inter-related material and conceptual boundaries of these disciplines.

Research undertaken in this topic will explore the widening scope of the 2-dimensional art work in its material production, to harness 3-dimensional elements that will investigate the possible relationships between photography and/ or painting, in conjunction with installation. Through the production of a substantial body of research, which focuses upon the 2-dimensional image and/ or art work, this research topic will encourage extensive experimentation with sculptural elements, to investigate the role that installation can play in the exhibition of photography and/ or painting, within the current contexts of their expanded fields.

Research carried out in this topic will investigate how the inclusion of installation in the production and exhibition of the 2-dimensional art work, constitutes an exploration into to the audience’s spatial relationship to fine art photography and painting. It asks: if making the viewer more aware of their physical presence within the viewing experience, does the viewer therefore become more aware of the act of looking? In so doing, this topic will investigate the different types of 'space' inherent in the 2-dimensional art work. For example, typically the photograph is experienced as a flat image; however, this topic seeks to investigate its 'object' quality, by testing its material properties and 3-dimensional possibilities.

Concepts of construction and performance carry through both the installational and 2-dimensional elements of this research, which will constitute an innovative expansion within the field of fine art photography and painting. With sculptural elements introduced in a highly original relationship to the 2-dimensional art work, this research will harness the multi-dimensional properties of installation, to explore the audience’s relationship to the 2-dimensional art work, through greater spatialised interaction with the work, thus also further expanding our understanding of the role of audience.

The proposed research is specifically directed towards knowledge and understanding of the practical, intellectual and theoretical context and impact of current and emerging work in this subject. The scope of this research is interdisciplinary in nature, spanning a number of fine art disciplines and will encompass relationships to other fields of enquiry and art practice.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living