The import of the sensation of the abyss

This research argues the significance of the concept of the abyss as a means to understanding key contemporary ideas such as the self, identity, reflexivity, indeterminacy, ideology, radical doubt, lack, and xenophobia. Proposing the analysis of interpretations of the abyss as informative in developing an understanding of ourselves in terms of our cultural, geographical and historical contexts, I draw on a range of visual images, explorations of language use, research into cultural constructs, religious practices and historical events. The reflections on the abyss contained in this thesis contribute to broader research by connecting the developing concept of the abyss to aspects of the material and cultural contexts of the historical periods examined. Self-reflexive creative production is the modus operandi for my critical engagement with the subject matter. The claim that research and creative practice inform one another dialogically is exemplified by a discussion of the role of research as a tool for contextualising my own visual art practice, as well as for acknowledging both my intellectual and my emotional negotiation of the theory.

Grantor dc:publisher

Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia

Year dc:date

2006

Author dc:creator

• Prescott-Steed, David J.

• abyss
• void
• unknown indeterminacy
• creation
• lack self reflecivity
• identity
• migation praxis
• radical-doubt
• visual-cultural creativity
• Psychology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/92

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ro.ecu.edu.au:theses-1092