Unpacking collaboration: non-human agency in the ebb and flow of practice-based visual art research

ABSTRACT

Practice-based visual art research is a field that inadvertently recognises the role of non-human actors in the creative process. Generally, the relation is described in terms of the artist’s skilful manipulation of objects and materials and the symbolic interpretation of these actions. This paper uses an actor-network approach to argue for a reconsideration of non-human actors as vital collaborators and explores how such relations disrupt assumptions of artistic control. I conclude with a description of how intention, motivation and knowledge are generated in these crucial relations.

KEYWORDS:

• Actor-network theory
• non-human
• art practice
• author
• artist

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Mark Cypher has been teaching and researching in the fields of art and design for over 20 years. Mark received a Ph.D. in 2011 and is currently a Senior Lecturer and Academic Chair at Murdoch University, Western Australia. His research interests include the nexus between practice and discourse in contemporary art and design, critical design practice, studio practice pedagogy, visual communication, ANT, interactivity and human–machine relations.