Double vision : a practice-based investigation of art and differential perception

Double Vision: A practice- led investigation of art and differential perception is a series of five interrelated practice-led research studies into artistic expression controlling perceptual experiences between audiences of varying visual acuities. Significant refinements  occurred between the first and second, and second and third studies. The last four studies were conducted with the aim of understanding vision’s influence on perception. Double Vision’s lead methodological approach was artistic practice. Other methods were employed according to the needs of that practice. They included iteration, collaboration, exhibition and testing. The research questions of Double Vision were refined in response to the results of artistic practice. That evolution resulted in two interrelated questions: Can artwork be intentionally created to be experienced differently dependent on one’s visual abilities? and If so, can those experiences be shared? A further question, ‘Can an analogy to colour deficient vision be created that engages both those with colour vision deficiency and the typically sighted?’, concludes the investigations. Artwork was realized through printmaking, animation and multimedia formats. Its context and content derived from many forms, notably the Ishihara Test for Colour Deficiency, writings of William Blake, contemporary music and philosophy. Augmented reality was employed to facilitate the translation of visual perceptions between targeted audiences. A number of exhibitions were held exploring these themes.