Research Catalogue

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.

ES / EN Este artículo presenta la dimensión de mentoría creativa del Método LGP, una forma transdisciplinaria de soporte para artistas y profesionales multidisciplinarios que buscan integrar deseo, obra y proyecto vital. Este artículo fue escrito por L.C. en el marco del proceso performativo del método LGP. Algunas imágenes, mapas e intuiciones emergen del acompañamiento realizado con F.F., artista visual con background en medicina, cuya colaboración discreta y sensible nutrió el tejido emocional y estratégico del texto. A través de un acompañamiento performativo-emocional, el método ofrece herramientas para sostener procesos, tomar decisiones, y atravesar una nueva identidad sintética. This article introduces the creative mentorship dimension of the LGP Method —a transdisciplinary form of support for artists and multidisciplinary professionals seeking to integrate desire, artwork, and life projects. This article was written by L.C. within the performative process of the LGP method. Some images, maps, and insights emerge from the accompaniment shared with F.F., a visual artist with a medical background, whose discreet and sensitive collaboration nourished both the emotional and strategic layers of the text. Through performative-emotional guidance, the method offers tools to sustain processes, make decisions, and move through a new synthetic identity.

Voorlopige werktafel onderzoeksplan

A work that explores the possibilities of creating hybrid genres on the drum kit to achieve a personal artistic expression. From experimenting with different groove combinations and rhythmical structures to developing concrete practice methods for limb independence, Fred establishes a way to mix electronic and Brazilian rhythms on the drum set. As the work deepens, he continues to explore the hybrid expressions through improvisation, composing and ensemble playing. With the purpose of connecting the otherwise loose threads of a peculiar musical background, he seeks new ways to approach the drum kit to create a united sound that reflects his earlier musical journeys within the electronic and Brazilian traditions.


Denne nettsiden dokumenterer refleksjonsarbeid fra det kunstneriske utviklingsprosjektet Improvisasjon som møtepunkt i en intermedial kontekst (INTERIMP) – et samarbeidsprosjekt mellom Norges musikkhøgskole (NMH) og Balletthøgskolen ved Kunsthøgskolen i Oslo (KHiO), med ekstern finansiering fra det nasjonale Program for kunstnerisk utviklingsarbeid/Prosjektprogrammet (2012–2015). Prosjektdeltakere har vært musikerne Lisa Dillan, Sidsel Endresen (2012–2014) og Ivar Grydeland (alle NMH), og danserne Siri Jøntvedt, Cecilie Lindeman Steen og Ingunn Rimestad (alle KHiO). Formålet med prosjektet har vært å undersøke og øke bevisstheten rundt prosesser og problemstillinger som oppstår når improviserende dansere og musikere møtes på gulvet. Aktiviteten i prosjektet har bestått av arbeid på gulvet og arbeid på møterommet, og det har vært en gjensidig og kontinuerlig veksling mellom disse fasene. Utprøvinger og tester på gulvet har informert diskusjonene på møterommet, som igjen har generert nye utprøvinger og tester på gulvet.

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Dokumentasjonen av prosjektet ble opprinnelig gjort på en dedikert nettside. Den er nå flyttet til Research Catalogue for å bedre sikkerhet og distribusjon.

Research Through Art & Design course introduces a variety of approaches, methodologies, issues and concerns in research through practice. In this course, research through practice refers to a broad continuum of artistic research approaches, arts-based, practice-led and -based research approaches, including also constructive design research approaches that are relevant across practices in Aalto University ARTS School of Arts, Design and Architecture. This exposition was created within an Artistic Practice Workshop offered as an additional part of the main course. During this part of the course, the students are familiarised with the Research Catalogue. During the workshop, participants work on their page within a group exposition, drawing connections between the creative and the given or discussed literature from the course and their creative practice.