Individual Research Plan
Date . PhD student
Name Sebastian Segura Espinel
Album number 751370
Field/Discipline Fine Arts and Art Conservation
Supervisor
First name, last name, degree/title Prof Alicja Panasiewicz
Department
Instytut Sztuki i Designu / Katedra Designu / Uniwersytet Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie
Field/Discipline Fine Arts and Art Conservation
Supervisor
First name, last name, degree/title Department
Field/Discipline
Auxiliary Supervisor
First name, last name, degree/title Department
Field/Discipline
Outline of the doctoral dissertation
Title of the doctoral dissertation Playthings and cultural introspection
Subject and rationale for the subject of the dissertation on the basis of a literature review
This practice-based research seeks to explore the profound significance of toys within the contemporary landscape of material culture Through a nuanced examination, it uncovers how toys find themselves at the intersection of arts and design, and how these tangible artifacts offer a counterbalance to the increasing immateriality of modern society. Parallelly, it seeks to explore thematic avenues not common in the field of toys.
While traditionally associated with children, the aim is to create toys that resonate with a broader, more universal demographic, capable of addressing complex cultural nuances, for this reason, I will favor the term “Playthings” when describing the objects produced throughout the project, this emphasizes their materiality and the profound significance of play. In this last respect, scholars like Johan Huizinga, Brian Sutton-Smith, and Miguel Sicart represent the theoretical foundations
Existing research offers valuable insights into the presence of playthings in adult culture (Heljakka, 2013) However, this research takes a cultural analysis perspective, making it possible to create a contribution through the hands-on experience approach that is proposed here
Playthings do not adhere to rules, they are the embodiments of creativity, inviting participants to infuse them with personal interpretations that blur the lines
Objectives and research hypotheses of the dissertation
between the intended purpose of an object and the imagination of the user. (see Heljakka, 2013)
Yet, toys are also accused of influencing our views. Roland Barthes (Mythologies) critiqued certain toys as mere reflections of adult life and extensions of rigid social dynamics. It is this tension between liberty and indoctrination that makes toys so relevant.
Revolutionary educational theorists like Froeblel and Montessori viewed toys as tools for nourishing creativity, a work that inspired the avant-garde of the twentieth century Artists and designers such as Picasso, Calder, Munari, Sutnar, and Torres García created toys as an extension of their aesthetic pursuits but they were equally motivated by a desire to nurture future generations (Bordes,2010) Unfortunately, in the long run, these ideas lost traction and were replaced by the marketing-driven commodities that most people associate with the world of toys today
Within this context, my research aims to delve into the multifaceted nature of Playthings, understanding them as a legitimate medium for artistic expression capable of communicating complex ideas and evoking profound emotional responses. In many ways, this endeavor represents a continuation of the work initiated by the twentieth-century avant-garde, but incorporating new dimensions and cultural paradigms.
Understanding my background and identity as a creator serves as the pivot of this research. Coming from Latin America, a cultural periphery, I have to question how my heritage can influence my practice
Through "cultural introspection," I seek to discover a style and iconography born from the mestizo culture of the so-called “New World” The role of the Chilean intellectual Miguel Rojas-Mix, particularly his book “Imaginary America”(1992) serves as a road map for said journey
Finally, my role extends beyond mere exposition Through my objects, I aspire to express a critical perspective and articulate a dialog with the global context and my immediate surroundings
OBJECTIVES
● Develop a series of imaginative and culturally resonant playthings that transcend traditional toys, showcasing their potential as an artistic medium.
● To reassess the conventional target audience for toys and explore the potential of designing playthings for a broader, more mature demographic
● Investigate how toys can be imbued with themes and concepts borrowed from contemporary artistic practice, pushing the current boundaries of the field
● Critically examine existing literature on playfulness and the cultural significance of toys
● Explore the connections between identity, cultural heritage, and creative practice, while using the researcher's background as a catalyst for innovative developments in playthings design.
● Conduct plastic experiments to develop novel strategies for creation, allowing practice-based research methodologies to inform the design process.
● Analyze existing methods of presenting toys to the audience and devise innovative strategies to disseminate the resulting pieces, maximizing their impact
HYPOTHESES:
● Playthings, due to their haptic nature and inherent playfulness, are vessels for tangible experiences and connection, this is especially important in an increasingly digitized world.
● when crafted with attention to the cultural context, Playthings, serve as powerful forms of artistic expression, transcending into dialectical tools.
● Developing playthings for a broader, older demographic is essential. These objects hold the potential to satisfy a playful instinct within us, encourage intellectual engagement, and explore intricate cultural nuances.
● Toys and playthings mirror the society they emerged from, disseminating its values and norms This characteristic can be hijacked to bring visibility to new issues and discourses
● Integrating contemporary art and design strategies into the creation of new playthings will result in increased relevance and resonance with modern audiences
● The background and personal experiences of creators significantly influence the thematic content and aesthetic direction of their production. Cultural introspection can serve as a tool to develop an individual aesthetic and iconography, enhancing the work’s relevance for both the creator and the audience.
● Hands-on exploration and practice-based research methodologies can reveal insights into the materiality and cultural meanings of playthings, contributing to a deeper understanding of their role in contemporary culture.
Research methods
This project will focus on implementing practice-based methodologies and articulating Concepts, Materials, and Techniques in the development of new knowledge. These tools have been previously employed by the researcher.
A comprehensive review of existing literature will be conducted to establish a framework for the research. This will involve examining academic works, scholarly articles, and relevant texts focusing on the cultural significance of toys, playfulness, and contemporary material culture
Cultural introspection serves as a fundamental pillar of the project It is based on a deep and reflective examination of the background, identity, and personal experiences of the researcher Cultural Introspection blends personal narrative with cultural analysis to gain insights into how individual identity shapes research outcomes, or in this case, the production of playthings
In this research making and reflecting are intertwined, this is embodied by “Thinkering” (Thinking+Tinkering), a strategy that blends experimentation and conceptual thinking, allowing enough freedom to discover unexpected solutions through a hands-on approach. Applied here, it involves creating prototypes and objects from humble materials like cardboard or paper, through iteration, these creations evolve into their final forms.
Critical analysis will be implemented to examine the cultural, social, and artistic implications of toys and playthings. This involves understanding toys as a transcultural phenomenon that has evolved through time.
Case studies will allow for in-depth analysis By examining real-world examples of significant toys from the past century until today valuable lessons can be extracted and implemented into the research similarly, the work of selected artists from different fields will be analyzed to establish parallels between their work and the creation of playthings, paying attention to how they express abstract and conceptual ideas through their respective mediums
Visual documentation will be used to capture the process and to create complementary work that serves as a context for the final pieces, reinforcing the narratives and ideas formulated through the project This includes photographs, sketches, and videos. Structure of the Doctoral Dissertation
I (Concepts and Background)
Introduction.
Description of the motivations behind the project and general ideas about toys, such as their value as transcultural artifacts, their place at the intersection between arts and design, and their value as physical interfaces of play
1.2: Toy as a Modern Experiment
This chapter sets the stage and provides context that will serve as a reference, it discusses the evolution of toys as a form of artistic and design experimentation, highlighting historical contexts and case studies that have influenced contemporary toy design. It is an exploration of how to use playthings as vehicles for expression within the field of visual arts
- The Avant-Garde Toy: Tracing the Evolution of Playthings in Art and Design
- The Interwar Period as a Laboratory for Toy Innovation (Case Studies).
- The Role of Material Culture in Shaping Identity Narratives.
1.1: Who Plays?
This chapter addresses the fundamental question of who engages with toys and why, as well as the personal journey that drove the researcher to the creation of toys, questions that are interlinked and serve as motivation for the project This chapter also establishes the context for the research
- The Project in Context: Toy Design and the Researcher's Creative Journey
- Defining: How to understand Toy, Plating, and Playfulness.
- The human scale and the importance of hapticity in contemporary material culture.
- Who are toys made for?: Toys in adult culture, exploring concepts such as ‘toyfication’.
1.3: Cultural Introspection
Cultural influences and personal reflections shaping the researcher's approach to toy design This chapter focuses on identity, heritage, and cultural symbols based on a rich investigation into the researcher's background
- Looking at the mirror: questioning the roots of my practice.
- Individual Aesthetic and Iconographies: Insights from Cultural Heritage.
- Unveiling the Researcher's Background and Identity: Navigating Cultural Influences.
- Monsters at the Age of the Maps: Symbols of American Identity
- Identity as an expat
Part II (Description of the practical dimension of the doctoral project and related activities)
This section examines the practical aspects of creation, focusing on methodologies and materials. It also explores how creators in the applied arts address complex topics through their chosen mediums.
Subject bibliography
2.1: Fundaments
- Practice-Based Methodologies in Arts and Design Research: Strategies for Conceptualization and Production.
- Parallels: Case studies from contemporary and applied arts
- "Thinkering": Concepts, Materials, and Techniques in the development of knowledge (description of my process of creation)
- Rationale Behind the Pieces: Understanding the Motivations and Inspirations
2.2: Documentation of Plastic Experiments and Results.
Part III: Summary and Reflection
The final chapter provides a synthesis of the research findings and reflections on the results This chapter also serves as a space to speculate about the future of playthings
- Review of the hypotheses
- Playthings in dialog with other forms of material culture
- Speculations on the future of toys
BARBIERI, Daniele. Semiotics of Design: From Aesthetic to Communicative Experience. London: Bloomsbury Academic, 2011.
BARTHES, Roland. Mythologies. London: Vintage Books, 1993.
BIRKS, Kimberlie. Design for Children. London: Phaidon Press Limited, 2018.
BORDES, Juan Toys of the Avant-garde Málaga: Fundación Museo Picasso Málaga, 2010
BRUTHANSOVÁ, Tereza Libuše Niklová Prague: Arbor vitae, 2010
HELJAKKA, Katriina From Wow to Flow to Glow: Principles of adult play(fulness) in contemporary toy cultures Doctoral dissertation, University of Turku, 2013
HUIZINGA, Johan Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play Element in Culture Beacon Press, Boston, 1955 (originally published in 1938).
KINCHIN, Juliet. Century of the Child. New York: Museum of Modern Art, 2012.
KRIPPENDORFF, Klaus. The Semantic Turn: A New Foundation for Design. Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis, 2006.
MANN, Charles C. 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus. Vintage Books, 2006.
MANN, Charles C 1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created Vintage Books, 2012
Form of doctoral dissertation
MANN, Charles C. The Atlantic Monthly, March 2002.
MULENDER, Aura. La escuela de Joaquín Torres-García y su tesis americanista: Buscar a América. IDEIA, Issue Nº 9, December 2014.
NORMAN, Donald A. Emotional Design: Why We Love (or Hate) Everyday Things. New York: Basic Books, 2004
NORMAN, Donald A The Design of Everyday Things New York: Basic Books, 2002 (originally published in 1988)
ROJAS-MIX, Miguel América Imaginaria Barcelona: Editorial Lumen, 1992
ROJAS-MIX, Miguel Los Cien nombres de América Barcelona, España: Editorial Lumen, 1991
SHUSTERMAN, Richard. Body Consciousness: A Philosophy of Mindfulness and Somaesthetics. Cambridge University Press, 2008.
SICART, Miguel. Play Matters. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2014.
SUTTON-SMITH, Brian. The Ambiguity of Play. Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1997.
SUTTON-SMITH, Brian. Toys as Culture. New York: Gardner Press, 1986.
THIBAULT, Mattia, and HELJAKKA, Katriina Toyfication A Conceptual Statement 8th International Toy Research Association World Conference, International Toy Research Association (ITRA), Paris France, 2018
- Series of Artworks/ Objects Presented to the public through an exhibition or an equivalent event The material outcome will be accompanied by a supporting document outlining the rationale behind the creation of the artwork, and documenting the results.
-The resulting artworks will be whimsical playthings inspired by the visual traditions referenced throughout the project. They are meant to invite touch and manipulation, engaging users while serving as both art pieces and functional playthings.
They will blend aesthetic exploration with playfulness, showcasing the endless possibilities of experimentation These playthings will be created using traditional craft and experimental methods, combining traditional techniques such as woodworking and jewelry with humble and unorthodox materials, questioning the aesthetic values of contemporary toy culture
Date of submission of the doctoral dissertation (daily date) September 2027
After the completion of 8 semesters of studies
Estimated budget (divided into expense categories)
Financing
Research Materials and Supplies: Expenses related to purchasing materials and supplies necessary for conducting research, such as art supplies, raw materials, and other resources.
Budget: 3,000 PLN
Fabrication: Expenses for purchasing or renting equipment and technology necessary for conducting research, such as cameras, wood and metalworking tools, and other analog resources.
Budget: 3,000 PLN
Travel and Visits: Costs associated with travel for research purposes, including transportation, accommodation, and expenses for visiting exhibitions, archives, and other relevant places for research
Budget: 5,000 PLN
Publication and Dissemination: Expenses related to publishing research findings, printing documents, and disseminating research outcomes.
Budget: 2,000 PLN
Exhibitions and Presentations: Expenses related to presenting research outcomes through exhibitions, presentations, or other public events. This includes materials for exhibition displays and other presentation-related expenses.
Budget: 5,000 PLN
Software and Digital: Expenses for purchasing or subscribing to software tools and technologies necessary for conducting research and creating prototypes, such as design software (e g , Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino), as well as hosting costs and other relevant digital resources
Budget: 4,000 PLN
Total Budget: 22,000 PLN
Sources of research funding, including research grants which you plan to apply for
-Regional Art Grants
Provided by local and regional governments or cultural institutions.
-Fund for the Doctoral Student Research Project of the Doctoral School (PBSD)
-Private Funds
Personal savings or donations from private sponsors, including access to facilities or tools
* Please delete/cross out in the final version of the document.
Research task schedule
SEMESTER II
Task Description
1 Bibliographical Revision: Comprehensive literature review on playthings, material culture, and relevant theories 07.2024 W1, W2, W3, U1, K1
2. Refining Dissertation Structure: Finalize the overall structure and chapter outlines 07 2024 U2, U9, U3
3. Public Reporting Session Participation: Share research progress with peers and gather feedback 07 2024 U5, U7, U6, K3
4. Exhibition Participation: Students exhibition In Krakow and Rzeszów 07.2024 U6, W4, K3
5. Submission of IRP Draft: Submit the initial draft of the Individual Research Plan. 07.2024 U2, U9, W3, U10
6 Development of Prototypes: Create and refine the first set of prototypes, and document the process 07 2024 U1, U3, U9, W2, K4
SEMESTER III
Task Description
1. Visit the Exhibition “L'enfance du design” (Paris): Analyze modern and early contemporary toy designs and gather inspiration. 11.2024 W2, K1, U3, W5
2 Studio Visit: Gain insights from an established toy designer and artist 11 2024 U5, U7, K4, U8
3. Visit the Collection of Musée du Jouet (Moirans-en-Montagne): Study historical playthings and document relevant designs 11 2024 W1, W5, U3, K1
4. Writing Chapter One: Focus on "Who Plays?" and include case study analyses 01 2025 U2, U3, W1, W3, K1
5. Refinement of Prototypes: Incorporate feedback and improve the initial designs. 02.2025 U1, U9, U3, U10
6 Launch Online Portfolio. 02.2025 U6, K4, U5, W4, U8, U4
SEMESTER IV
Task Description
DEADLINE LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Exhibition Participation: Display objects at a local exhibition. 04.2025 U6, U4, W4, U5, K3
2 Studio Work: Continue developing techniques and document the creation process. 05.2025 U1, U3, U9, K1, U10
3. Writing Chapter Two: Focus on "Toy as a Modern Experiment" and historical case studies 05 2025 U2, K1, W3, W1, U3
4. Visit Nuremberg Toy Fair: Observe current trends, collect data, and network with industry professionals 03 2025 W2, U8, K4
5. Presentation at Nuremberg: Present object resulting from my professional parallel practice in the field of toys. 03.2025 U5, U7, U6, K2, U4, U8
SEMESTER V
Task Description
1. Development of Chapter Three: Explore cultural introspection and its influence on toy design
2. Studio Work: Continue developing techniques and document the creation process
3. Peer Reviews: Seek feedback from peers and mentors to refine the research direction.
SEMESTER VI
Task Description
1. Funding Applications: Apply for research grants or funding
2. Socializing Partial Results: Develop strategies for exhibiting and sharing mid-term research findings (Workshop, Lecture)
3 Further Prototype Development: Iterate and refine prototypes based on new insights and feedback.
4. Collaborations: Engage with other artists, designers, and researchers to enrich the project with diverse perspectives
5. Studio Work: Continue developing techniques and document the creation process
SEMESTER VII
Task Description
1. Developing Final Prototypes: Complete the development of the final prototypes
2. Documentation and Analysis: Thoroughly document the creation process and analyze findings
3. Writing Chapter Four: Focus on "Crafting" and the practical aspects of creation.
4. Studio Work: Continue developing techniques and document the creation process.
SEMESTER VIII
Task Description
W5, W1, U3, K1
U5, U7, W4, K3
U7, U6, K2, K3
1. Writing Chapter Five: Complete "Summary and Reflection" chapter. 06.2027 U2, K1, W1, U3
2. Documentation: Maintain a detailed visual and written diary of the entire research process.
3 Preparation for Diploma Exhibition: Curate and prepare the final exhibition
4. Final Dissertation Review: Synthesize all research findings and ensure coherence across chapters
5. Presentation of Doctoral Thesis: Defend the thesis and present the final exhibition
U9, W3, U10
U9, W4, K3
K1, U3
2027 U5, U7, U6, K2, K3
Chapter number
Dissertation timetable and completion plan.*
Chapter title
Planned date of completion 1. Part I
V Semester
2 Part II VII Semester
Part III
VIII Semester
* The information in the table should be inconsistent with the schedule of research tasks and the structure of the dissertation as described in the outline section For the discipline of fine arts and art conservation, the table should provide the structure of the theoretical part of the dissertation
Artistic part of the dissertation ** .
4. Revision and finalization of playthings
5. Finalized objects
7.
** Applies only to the discipline of fine arts and art conservation The information in the table should be inconsistent with the research task schedule and dissertation structure described in the outline section
Other achievements required in the course of education
Discipline exam (after mid-term evaluation and not later than in semester VIII)
Submitting an application for a competitive research or artistic grant to a research funding institution, in particular to the NCN or the Centrum Nauki or NCRD (more than one may be specified)
Scientific, artistic or didactic internship of at least 30 days in a foreign or domestic research centre or cultural institution (including 20 working days. More than one can be specified)
Obtaining credits/certificates from obligatory classes included in the curriculum, but not assigned to specific semesters
VII Semester W1, W2, W5, K1
IV Semester W1, W2, W3, U2, U6, U8, U10, K2, K4
V Semester W1, W2, U1, U2, U8, U9, K2, K4
I,II,III,IV,V, VI,VII,VIII semesters W1, W2, W5, K1
Obtaining credits / certificates from classes not included in the curriculum I,II,III,IV,V, VI,VII,VIII semesters W1, W2, W5, K1
At least one text published or accepted for publication* or the creation of at least one significant artistic work (more than one may be specified)
Paper presentation at least one international or national conference or an artistic project that constitutes a significant contribution to culture (more than one may be quoted)
Achievements in the dissemination of science or art (more than one may be specified)
IV semester U6, K2, K3
IV semester U6, K2, K3
IV,V,VI,VII, VIII semesters U6, K2, K3
* A publication is understood as:
- a scientific article in a scientific journal or in peer-reviewed material from an international conference, which in the year of publication of the article in its final form was included in the ministerial list of scientific journals, or - a single scientific monograph issued by a publishing house which, in the year of publication of the monograph in its final form, was included in the ministerial list of publishers, or - a chapter in a monograph referred to above.
Comments
(date)
(PhD student’s signature)
(date) (Supervisor's signature)
(date)
(Supervisor's signature)
(date) (Auxiliary supervisor’s signature)