Research Catalogue

The concept of performativity applied to liminal transformations because creative business mentoring needs more depth. Creatives, researchers and innovatives entrepreneurs do not fit into certain cathegories so they need a well grounded paradigm that can be differentiated both from rationalistics approaches and spiritual ones.

This research introduces Psychoformism, an innovative artistic style synthesizing form, emotion, and subconscious energy into a unified aesthetic expression. Positioned within the broader discourse of art history, Psychoformism proposes a fluid, dynamic visual language that transcends traditional bodily representation. The style aims to shift the viewer's role from passive observer to active participant by visually embodying internal emotional states as forms that emerge from subconscious energies. Psychoformism thus provides a conceptual and practical framework for exploring deeper psychological engagement and subjective perception within aesthetic experiences. As proposed by the author, “Form is emotion itself; emotion emerges from within the body and transforms directly into visual form.” (A. Babak, 2025)

This research explores the phenomenon of Cosplay as experienced by Cosplayers themselves through a subjective lens. A project that stems from specific personal attitudes and inclinations to the practice of Cosplay — コスプレ kosupure — in relation to japanese entertainment media. The focus of the analysis resides in individuals influenced to the point of bordering on obsession, surrounded by characters from works of Japanese animation, illustration and graphics — Anime, Manga and RPG — culminating in the practice of donating one’s body through the practice of interpretation, assimilation and appropriation. Consistencies and idiosyncrasies between assumptions and experience are addressed starting from Japanese imagery, cultivated by years of tactile and vivid experience of this practice as carried out in Italy. The impact and perceived impact of the journey facilitated a firsthand, lived experience through my month-long stay in Toshima, one of Tokyo’s twenty three special districts. The reiteration of this practice in the country accredited for the birth and export of Cosplay, put to test the skills and preconceptions developed over years of experience and virtual exploration. Analyzed the ideological presuppositions set forth by Luca Vanzella in Cosplay culture: fenomenologia dei costume players italiani, found within my personal experience in Italy, the same were used as a key to reading and interpreting the experience in Japan, analyzing points of contact and divergence. Through this paper I wish to document the vivid aspects of a research at a still embryonic state, without rushing to judgment. A vision that is not intended to be faithful to reality as a focused image, but rather as the perception of light imprinted in the first impact with the retina. It represents, in its essence, an investigation that reports testimonies and subjective experiences, exploring with individuals the value placed on their choice of character, the reasons for choosing to lend one’s body to such practice. The unambiguous presence of the self, versus, the assumptions of loss of identity and desire for escape in the link between Cosplayer, performance act and self-perception. Analyzing the relational dynamics between Cosplayers and those shared personas, with a focus on the figure of the otaku and the way it relates to this practice. This printed object consists of 2 main parts; the first visual and graphic and the second textual and theoretical. Bound together by the “japanese stab binding” technique, that has been appropriated in correlation to the practice of Cosplay. Becoming not only a physical link, but also a key conceptual and graphic element. Giving body and matter to the characters that make up the term Cosplay.

The project comprises text, location photos, photos of artworks, and video animations that record the experiences of a natural flood that affected house and studio. The project’s content is a consideration of the consequences of the flood towards an existing project in progress at the time and on existing finished artwork. The finished exposition had two unsuccessful reviews; the first due to insufficiently proposing a workable consideration of failure, the second for insufficient clarity of purpose. As this self-published iteration, screenshots taken from the original iteration as formatted on the RC are overlaid with short summaries of aspects of the project’s content, in terms pertaining to both the staining of the flood water and the often unacknowledged writing, re-writing, and over-writing of whatever is the language basis of one's practice. The screenshots, as simulated text-and-image cameos, have the summaries ranged next to them as legible text. The original submitted project is archived though accessible as a PDF only, along with its supplementary papers and video clips.

Cosmic Journey; Exploring the possibilities of Harp and Live-Electronics by Kyra Frimout. Research Question: How do I adapt the Stellar Sonata by Caroline Lizotte composed for the electroacoustic harp to a traditional acoustic pedal harp? 'Cosmic Journey' is a performance that focusses on space-themed repertoire for the harp and live-electronics, combined with visual images of NASA to enhance the audience’s experience. It explores the use of improvisation to tell the story of Kyra Frimout's grandfather Dirk Frimout, who went on his mission to space in 1992. The centre piece of this program is the Stellar Sonata, which was the inspiration for shaping this project. This research investigates the integration of live electronics with the harp by analysing 'Stellar Sonata' by Caroline Lizotte and exploring its implications for new compositions and improvisations. The study is structured in three parts. First, an in-depth examination of 'Stellar Sonata' is conducted, including an overview of Lizotte’s compositional style, her inspirations, the narrative embedded within the piece, and a detailed analysis of its musical material. The second section focuses on the technical aspects of recreating the piece’s electronic effects, assessing the required equipment while addressing challenges in replicating the sonic landscape, with updated technology. The final section explores new creative avenues that emerge from this research, including the application of live electronics to existing harp repertoire and its transformative impact on improvisation and composition. By bridging tradition with technology, this study aims to make electroacoustic music more accessible to harpists by exploring affordable equipment and practical amplification options—particularly for those seeking to perform Stellar Sonata without requiring an electroacoustic harp—while also pushing the artistic boundaries of the instrument in contemporary music. Kyra Frimout is a harpist and singer with a passion for contemporary and electroacoustic music. She studied Classical Music at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, where she is now pursuing a Master’s in New Audiences and Innovative Practice. In 2024, she studied with harpist-composer Caroline Lizotte in Montréal, deepening her understanding of electroacoustic harp techniques. Kyra explores the intersection of traditional harp performance and modern technology, integrating live electronics to expand the instrument’s expressive potential. Through her work, she seeks to redefine the role of the harp in contemporary music, using electronic effects to open new creative possibilities in both composition and improvisation.

Two of the oldest manuscripts containing trumpet music lie in the Royal Danish Library and were both written in Denmark around the year 1600. They contain hundreds of fanfare-like melodies with little explanation as to how, why, or where they should be played. Written by trumpeters with limited musical education, the manuscripts present a unique challenge in deciphering distinct and personal notation styles. The aim of this research is to shed a new light on the so-called Thomsen and Lübeck manuscripts by stepping into the shoes of the trumpeters of the late renaissance and early baroque. The court of Christian IV (1577-1648), King of Denmark and Norway, was one of the most influential courts of early 17th century Europe and employed a respectable number of at least 123 trumpeters throughout Christian’s 60 year reign. By examining the role and duty of those trumpeters, as well as the culture around trumpet playing in the 16th and 17th centuries we gain a new insight into the festive, vigorous, and loud music of the royal courts. Improvisation plays a big part in interpreting the Danish manuscripts. By applying improvisation techniques described by Italian and German trumpeters in the 17th century, as well as considering the capabilities and limitations of historical instruments, new life is brought to fanfares which might appear monotonous and repetitive at first glance.