The Research Catalogue (RC) is a non-commercial, collaboration and publishing platform for artistic research provided by the
Society for Artistic Research. The RC is free to use for artists and
researchers. It
serves also as a backbone for teaching purposes, student assessment, peer review workflows and research funding administration. It strives to be
an open space for experimentation and exchange.
recent activities
"Investigating the Big Blue": cyanotype workshop in two parts, Amorgos, Cyclades, Greece
(2025)
Hannah L. M. Eßler, Micol Favini, Lovis Heuss, Eirini Sourgiadaki, Livia Zumofen, Anna Rubi, Tomer Zirkilevech, Alisha Dutt Islam, Charles Kwong
A 2-part module by the MA Transdisciplinary Studies of ZHdK, Department Kulturanalysen und Vermittlung. Held by Anna Rubi & Eirini Sourgiadaki.
Autumn 2023-Spring 2024
Colour perception varies, so do the semantics of colour terminology, for both sighted and blind individuals. The questions around colour perception from ophthalmology or neurobiology perspectives to cognitive and artistic ones, are infinite: Is there a universal human experience of the blue sky, the green grass and the brown soil? How is colour perceived in the brain, how is it translated into a communicable concept and how does it affect our perceived world, our mental and physical state? What is the role of colour in synesthesia? And most importantly, does colour have to do just with vision? In this module we work with the generation of blue colour on print, using the major light source available, the Sun.
The Island of Amorgos is often referred to as “Le grand bleu” after the famous french film was shot at location. Its ancient name is “Melania”. “Melani”, the Greek word for ink, (“Melano” for dark blue, cyan) as it is said that in ancient times the place was covered with dark green flora. Our investigation begins exactly with this deep tint. We pay a visit to the famous monastery and the water oracle, walk the trails to observe the sensual -not only vision-based- shades of blue. In the spring term, we participate in local activities such as beach clean-up initiatives of the remote bays by local fishermen and their boats. We visit bee-hives and herb-distilleries, we work with the most basic bits and pieces of the island to capture its essence.
How do chairs lead to extinction?
(2025)
Sonya Levchynska
Thesis / Research Document of the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, 2025
BA Interior Architecture and Furniture Design
Summary (8968)
recent publications
Construction and Instruction: A Workshop for Students on the Natural Horn
(2025)
Sarah Brien
This research and project will aim to answer the question "How can I run an effective workshop for students on the Natural Horn?". In preparing for a workshop, I will explore what to include to give young students from age 9 and up a fun and interesting learning experience. Students will be able to build their own horns from hosepipes and funnels, and then experiment and perform with these instruments and hopefully leave inspired in their own journeys with the early horn. I aim to document the necessary elements to create an interactive and educational experience.
Allegory and Symbolism in “Sei Solo” — Focusing on musical message by J.S. Bach, from Six Solo Violin Sonatas and Partitas BWV1001-1006
(2025)
Eriko Nagayama
This research explores the use of allegory and symbolism in Johann Sebastian Bach’s Six Solo Violin Sonatas and Partitas (BWV 1001-1006). The central inquiry is how Bach incorporated European allegorical and symbolic ideas into his music. Key aspects of this investigation include understanding how Bach applied symbolism through ornamentation, tonality, and numerical values.
The study raises several questions: What were the common allegorical ideas in Europe at the time? Is there a consecutive story behind the Sei Solo? How do symbols relate to the piece?
Additionally, it will examine how allegories (which is more common in literature and art) manifest in his Sei Solo through musical gestures like messa di voce, harmony hierarchies, and inflections.
This research is dedicated to all the curious minds exploring allegory and symbolism in music—from those newly discovering J.S. Bach to devoted Bach lovers, students, and professionals.
How do chairs lead to extinction?
(2025)
If applicable
Thesis / Research Document of the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, 2025.
BA Interior Architecture and Furniture Design
Summary (8968 words)