Exploring Personal Expressions Toward Homelessness Through Material, Surface Exploration, and Mixed Media Artwork: Integration of Information Systems in Creative Practices

Abstract

This research explores the personal expression of homeless individuals through the artist’s use of materials and surfaces, with a focus on conveying the experience of homelessness in Georgetown, Penang. The primary objective is to determine how different materials can effectively evoke emotions and narratives associated with the homeless condition, enabling personal expression through artistic practice. Art-based research is employed, combining non-participatory observation and reviews of existing artworks. The Panofsky model, which emphasizes intrinsic artistic value, is used to analyze the meaning behind the materials. The research includes studio investigations, where various mediums and surfaces are experimented with to express the emotions and lived experiences of homeless people. The exploration of texture and composition aids in finding the right materials to reflect personal narratives. For theory, this research contributes to the understanding of how  materiality in art serves not just an aesthetic function but also a communicative one.