Narrative Inquiry about the Understanding of Panels in Conceptual Comic Art
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School of Arts, Design and Architecture |
Bachelor's thesis
Ask about the availability of the thesis by sending email to the Aalto University Learning Centre oppimiskeskus@aalto.fi
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ARTS3101
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Language
en
Pages
101 + 2
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Abstract
The BA thesis, Narrative Inquiry about the Understanding of Panels in Conceptual Comic Art, aims to investigate the understanding of the function of panels in conceptual comic art. Conceptual comic art is a contemporary phenomenon that challenges the traditional methods of visual storytelling. It aims to expand the boundaries of comic art as a storytelling medium via experimental methods and unconventional practices. The present perception of the medium is highly influenced by socio-economic impacts. The numerous forms of sequential art, outside of their respective communities, are frequently recognized as frivolous genres mainly targeted at juvenile audiences. Therefore, the thesis aims to reflect on the less-known, niche genre within comic art that is highly influenced by the art movements of the 20th century, such as dadaism and conceptual art. Influenced by the avant-garde, the genre questions the medium of sequential art through methods of decomposition and abstraction, and topics of critical satire and self-reflection. The thesis paper explores the traditional methods, techniques, and components of comic art in relation to novel approaches to creating a visual narrative. An in-depth literature review concludes the basic principles of comic art as a storytelling medium. Moreover, through case studies, the thesis explores the ways the traditional principles of panels in comic art have been challenged in the past century, as well as the ways this shift in the understanding of the function of panels manifested in conceptual comic art. Furthermore, the thesis investigates the new methods, processes, and ways of thinking about sequential art that has been developing in the past decades. Through interviews with artists who create conceptual comic artworks, the thesis investigates the common threads in conceptual comic artworks in terms of the understanding and usage of panels in relation to the general practice of artists in conceptual comic art. Finally, to reflect on the found common practices and methods used in conceptual comic art, the thesis is concluded with an artistic research process, through which a traditional comic book The Adventures of Tintin - The Shooting Star by Hergé (1998), is decomposed. The purpose of the experimental visual narrative research is to apply the learned methods and mindsets through a hands-on experiment. In conclusion, the thesis paper consists of academic literature on the topic of panel systems in traditional comic art, case studies about the panel systems and conceptual imagery of contemporary conceptual comic artworks, discussions with professionals currently working in the field of conceptual comic art, and experimental artistic research with an outcome of a decomposed and reframed traditional comic book that explores the niche genres of abstraction and conceptualization in comic art. During the different stages of the series of research methods, it was found that the visual and contextual reimagination of panels compared to the classical model and visual language of comic art are being questioned through conceptual comic artworks. The experimental, genre-bending and analytical nature of comic artworks suggest that the essence of conceptual comic-making can only be fully grasped by looking at multiple different examples in the contemporary comic art scene. It was found that these artworks explore the intersection of fine arts, cinema, poetry, infographics, text, and storytelling, and question the traditions and rules of comic art. The most distinct common thread between the artists was their curiosity and openness to new ways of storytelling.Description
Supervisor
Person, OscarThesis advisor
Lee, DoheeOther note
Media files notes:
Artistic Research
Description:
A visual analysis of The Adventures of Tintin - The Shooting Star by Hergé (1942).
Media creators:
courtesy of the author