PhD Study : ​Beckett and Contemporary Art: An investigation of the influence of Samuel Beckett’s work upon contemporary fine art practice

Summary

In this interdisciplinary project, two disciplines, Art and Literature examine the work of Samuel Beckett against the historical narratives of the 21st century. Whilst familiar reference points have hitherto helped to contextualise Beckett’s work, such as, Joyce, Descartes, Schopenhauer and visual artists such as, Caspar David Friedrich, Bram van Velde and Kandinsky, this topic proposes a new contemporary exploration of Beckett’s works, interrogated through the agency of fine art practice, opening the way for other artists and other traditions to establish new points of departure for investigating Beckett’s sustained influence on contemporary artists and modes of production.

Through the production of practice-based research, this topic proposes a timely contribution to, and intervention in the field of Beckett studies. Within the terrain of contemporary fine art practice and the conception of its theoretical and material forms, this research topic seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice and in so doing, develop research by directing a PhD project that situates itself on two levels, visual and literary, therefore widening the scope of its value and impact through knowledge transfer and meaningful inter-disciplinary exchange. The rich diversity of Beckett’s oeuvre means that this topic can be approached through a variety of fine art modes of practice.

To reflect this, the topic highlights four key areas for possible consideration:

Beckett and Image – Jack McGowan described Eh Joe, Beckett’s 1965 play for television, as “photographing the mind”. Beckett’s ability to conjure ‘image’, in both written form and theatrical direction, through his use of light, allusion and the symbolism of the everyday, created a rich plethora of pictorial and descriptive devices, that can act as a lens through which to investigate the production and decoding of imagery in visual art.

Beckett and Time – The importance of duration in performative and time-based practices, renders time a key proponent within visual art. Time passing and time suspended are elements deeply embedded within Beckett’s work, both in his plays and his prose, uniquely positioning Beckett’s writing as a framework within which to explore the significance of time as a material in visual art.

Beckett and Language – Language investigated through use of text, verbally and non-verbally communicated, in both audio and written forms, have been significantly evident in the work of numerous artists, from Joseph Kosuth, Sol Le Witt and Barbara Kruger, to Jenny Holzer, Lawrence Weiner and Art & Language. Beckett’s deconstruction of language, through his non-linear approach and fragmentation of its narrative forms, render his work an invaluable source of reference in the investigation of language in art.

Beckett and the Void – Absence, loss and emptiness are prevalent themes found in contemporary fine art practice. Beckett’s ability to conjure ‘nothingness’ from a state of empty void, to a ‘thing’ of form and substance, can play a key role in developing our understanding of the signification of absence and presence within many forms of contemporary 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
• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

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