Drawing Investigations: Graphic Relationships with Science, Culture and Environment

Drawing Investigations explores how artists use drawing as an investigative tool to reveal information that would otherwise remain unseen and unnoticed. It examines the emergence of a way of thinking among an otherwise disconnected group of artists by exploring commonalities in the application of analytical drawing to the natural world, urban environment, social forces, and lived experience. Examples represent a spectrum of research in international contexts, and issues are situated in the contemporary theory and practice of drawing, including relationships to historical precedents.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Drawing Investigations delves into the profound realm of artistic inquiry, where artists harness the power of drawing as a versatile and insightful tool to unveil hidden truths and reveal the unseen. Through a meticulous close visual analysis of drawings, artist interviews, critical analysis, and exegesis, the book explores the multifaceted ways in which artists employ drawing as an investigative medium, uncovering information that would otherwise remain concealed and overlooked.

In this captivating exploration, the authors, Casey and Davies, delve into the intricate relationship between drawing and ideas, shedding light on how artists shape and transform their concepts through the medium of drawing. They examine how artists adapt to the challenges and restraints of specific environments, navigating the complexities of their artistic practice. The book also delves into the fascinating question of how drawing complements and interacts with its subject matter, as well as where it disrupts and provokes thought.

Drawing Investigations takes a unique approach by focusing on artists who work collaboratively and explore the use of drawing in challenging or unexpected contexts. The authors examine how collaborative practices foster a sense of interconnectedness among artists, enabling them to tap into shared insights and perspectives. They also explore how drawing can be employed in unconventional environments, such as the natural world, urban landscapes, social forces, and lived experiences.

Through a comprehensive evaluation of the emergence of a way of thinking among an otherwise disconnected group of artists, Drawing Investigations uncovers commonalities in the application of analytical drawing to diverse fields. Examples provided in the book showcase a wide range of research in international contexts, including an oceanographic Institute in California, the archives of Amsterdams Rijksmuseum, the Antarctic Survey, geothermal research in Japan, and the Kurdish diaspora in Iraq. These examples serve as a testament to the universality of drawing as a tool for exploration and discovery.

Issues addressed in Drawing Investigations are situated within the contemporary theory and practice of drawing, exploring the intricate relationships to historical precedents. The book delves into the ways in which drawing captures and describes experience, sharpens visual faculties, and bridges embodied and conceptual knowledge. By offering a fresh critical perspective on contemporary drawing practice, Drawing Investigations provides valuable insights for artists, art enthusiasts, and scholars alike.

In conclusion, Drawing Investigations is a groundbreaking work that offers a deep and insightful exploration of the artistic potential of drawing. Through a rigorous analytical approach, the book sheds light on the ways in which artists use drawing as an investigative tool, revealing hidden truths and expanding our understanding of the creative process. By examining the relationship between drawing and ideas, the environment, collaboration, and historical precedents, Drawing Investigations provides a valuable contribution to the field of art criticism and offers a fresh perspective on contemporary drawing practice.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350443556