The research question of my project is concerned with the evolution of romantic courtship with reference to the influence of fairytale conventions. The project aims to produce a photographic series and exegesis, which explore the constructs embodied in traditional fairytales in the context of social and aesthetic behaviours in courtship.
The project started with an investigation of both academic references and contemporary artists. My Initial experimentation created works that communicated ideas surrounding themes such as fairytales, romance and gender confusion.
I became interested in finding connections between academic and creative concepts such as the aesthetics of gender identity and the psychology of courtship and fairytales. By engaging in a creative process and exploring references that influenced the works, I was able to question and explore these themes through performing roles of both genders within the creation of characters. This exegesis essentially tracks my creative process, research and the questions and challenges I have faced along the way.
Table of Contents
- Title of the research project:
- Research Question:
- Aim of the project:
- Objectives:
- Investigate social behaviour in contemporary romantic courtship.
- Ascertain the potential influence of fairytale mythology in contemporary courtship.
- Produce a series of photographs exploring social constructs embodied in the mythology of fairytales in the context of contemporary courtship.
- Methodology:
- Conduct a literature search on social behaviour in everyday romantic courtship.
- Conduct a literature search of courtship ritual in fairytale mythology.
- Utilise this research in the development of the photographic series.
- Incorporate findings from photographic practice in conjunction with the exegesis.
- Methods:
- Literature search and annotated bibliography.
- Survey of relevant contemporary art in this area.
- Informed use of location, props, clothing and photographic construction.
- Rationale and context for the research:
- Timeline:
Objectives and Key Themes
The research project aims to produce a photographic series and exegesis that explores the constructs embodied in traditional fairytales in the context of social and aesthetic behaviors in courtship. The project investigates the evolution of romantic courtship with reference to the influence of fairytale conventions.
- The influence of fairytale mythology on contemporary courtship.
- Social constructs embodied in traditional fairytales.
- Contemporary social and aesthetic behaviors in courtship.
- Gender roles and stereotypes in courtship.
- The changing dynamics of power within gender in contemporary courtship.
Chapter Summaries
The project begins with a detailed explanation of the research question, objectives, and methodology. The project then delves into the rationale and context for the research, drawing on Western folklore and theories on gender, specifically Mimi Schippers’s concept of “Gender Maneuvering”. The project then outlines the timeline for the research and photographic production.
Keywords
This research project explores the concepts of romantic courtship, fairytale mythology, gender roles, social constructs, contemporary social behavior, and photographic investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do fairytales influence modern romantic courtship?
The project explores how traditional fairytale conventions (like the "damsel in distress" or "knight in shining armor") still shape social and aesthetic behaviors in dating today.
What is "Gender Maneuvering"?
It is a concept by Mimi Schippers referring to how individuals negotiate and challenge traditional gender roles and power dynamics within social interactions.
What is the role of photography in this research?
Photography is used as an investigative tool to visually explore gender identity, roles, and the psychological constructs of courtship through staged characters.
How have courtship rituals evolved?
The study investigates the shift from traditional myth-based rituals to contemporary behaviors, focusing on how power dynamics between genders have changed.
What is an exegesis in this context?
An exegesis is a written critical explanation or interpretation of the creative work, tracking the research process and theoretical background of the photographic series.
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- Lydia Cook (Autor:in), 2011, Courtship. A Photographic Investigation of Romantic Engagement, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/302542
