The Aesthetic Implications of Complexity Theory in Regard to Object Creation and Haptic Response

Abstract

This research explores the idea of complexity for the express purpose of contributing to and expanding upon the lexicons of Art and Design. This exploration of complexity is undertaken by questioning a sensorial response to complex form, particularly through touch. The question in plain terms is, do we like to touch simple things or complex things? Touch is of course but one aspect of the suite of haptic senses, so proprioceptive, vestibular, and kinaesthetic senses are addressed, as is the deep and intertwined relationship between hapticity and sight. The research methodology is practice-led and has encompassed the methods of action research and participant study. I offer that the primary contributions to research are in the method of dialogue between creative practitioner and fractal algorithms expressed through novel technical methods of procedure explored and conveyed through object and through analysis in this thesis.