Karolina Gliniewicz - Research Proposal for PhD in Creative Research
As a passionate and dedicated professional in the field of Art and Science, I am thrilled to apply for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at Transart Institute, with a rich background in experimental arts, creative research and transdisciplinary art practices. My main areas of research are lemons, ASMR and AI.
Currently, I started working as a Visiting Practitioner at UAL: London College of Communication, where I am giving lectures and workshops to 3rd year (final) year students of BA (Hons) Photography on experimental art processes and final delivery of such artworks, like exhibitions and art publications.
I have also been extensively working on developing my art practice and independent research. This time, especially after my graduation show at UAL: Central Saint Martins, where I was exhibiting my lemon lamps for the first time, has provided me with valuable insights into the direction I want to take. Throughout my career, I have gained accomplishments and experiences in many fields.
Some of the highlights from my CV include Underwater Cables: Telematic Performance - Art Residency at Lasalle, Singapore, in 2023, which was a two-week telematic collaboration between Singapore, Norway and Switzerland. I was recently a finalist of the 99 Future Blueprint Artist Prize 2024, an art competition by Artsted. Since 2017, I have been continuously exhibiting my works internationally, including places like: Czong Institute for Contemporary Art (CICA), Tate Modern, Lethaby Gallery, The Koppel Project, I.P.F: Independent Photography Festival, Short Waves International Film Festival.
The driving force behind my work is a profound passion for creativity and pursuing innovation in experimental processes. Hence, I propose the most comprehensive lemon exploration in the sense of transdisciplinary art material and object of observation. Looking ahead, I am excited about the opportunity to further deepen my knowledge and expertise in lemon knowledge through doctoral study at Transart Institute. By pursuing advanced research in creative practice, I aim to create the most extended research on the use of lemons in experimental art practice. My decision to seek a PhD is rooted in my desire for broader impact and my contribution to art. The interdisciplinary approach and supportive community at Transart Institute will provide me with the ideal environment to pursue my academic and artistic goals.
I am incredibly enthusiastic about joining the vibrant community of scholars and artists at Transart Institute. I am eager to engage in critical dialogue, collaborative inquiry, and creative experimentation as I embark on this exciting new chapter of my academic and artistic journey. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the dynamic intellectual community at Transart Institute.
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Lemon Lamps Prep (2023)
Research Proposal
Project Working Title:
'100 Lemon Experiments': Exploring the Use of Lemons in Transdisciplinary Art Practice.
Current Creative Research Project Aims or Questions:
Description of Project/Goals in Three Sentences:
This research project seeks to investigate the multifaceted significance of lemons in transdisciplinary art practice, examining their potential as material, subject of observations and metaphor. Throughout the three years, I want to try 100 different uses of lemons in fields like (but not limited to) film, photography, sound, music, art performance, participatory experiences, art installations, sculpture, collage, paintings, prints, and publications; I aim to provoke sensory engagement and critical reflection on the lemon's ecological, social, and existential dimensions. Ultimately, this exploration seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the intersections between art, science, and human experience.
Contextual/Literature Review:
During my final year at MA in Art and Science at CSM, I began my lemon exploration. One night around 4 am, I woke up with a mess in my head; I had no idea where to go; with life, with my art. My art works were not working for me anymore. I head to the kitchen to get my usual calming warm water with sour lemon juice and a hint of sugar. But there it was or actually was not. No lemons in my house. This reflects the madness I was going through; I was unsure about anything, missing everything. Now, left with nothing. No lemons in my house. At the exact moment when I realised I how much need them, I sat down by my desk with a dim light on and started thinking about lemons; I got obsessed with them that night. I started creating straight away. I fell asleep somewhere during that process, and the first thing to do when I opened my eyes was journey to the nearest open shop for a lemon stock-up. I bought 10 of them.
For the past year, I have been using lemons as my primary material and subject of experimentation. I have been obsessed about them. I have produced a series of collages, clay lemons, lemon cyanotypes, participatory events, lemon-themed DJ sets, a collection of lemon lamps and lemonade-making live music performances. I am eager to continue this exploration during my PhD.
![]()
Lemonscapes (2023) live lemon music performance,
UAL: Central Saint Martins
The literature on transdisciplinary art practice and sensory aesthetics provides a rich framework for exploring the themes and methodologies in my lemon research project. Works such as "The Transdisciplinary Studio" (2012) by Alex Cole and "Sensory Arts and Design" (2018), edited by Ian Heywood, offer incredible insights into the theoretical underpinnings of transdisciplinary approaches to artmaking and the role of sensory perception in aesthetic experiences. Additionally, studies on the cultural significance of lemons like "Lemon: A Global History" (2012) by Toby Sonnemanand, and the sensorial turn in contemporary art discussed in works like „Against interpretation, and other essays” (1966) by Susan Sontag, „Art and Design Pedagogy in Higher Education: Knowledge, Values and Ambiguity in the Creative Curriculum" (2017) by Susan Orr and Alison Shreeve or "Touch: Sensuous Theory and Multisensory Media" (2002) by Laura U. Marks, provide valuable context for understanding the symbolic potential of lemons as a transdisciplinary artistic medium.
My secondary research area is the phenomena of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), which I have been exploring since 2019, when working on my film 'a weird notion', featured internationally at film festivals and galleries. My knowledge is based on leading scientific papers in the field, like “Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR): a flow-like mental state” (2015) by Emma Barratt and Nick Davis or “An Examination of Personality Traits Associated with Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR)” by Beverley Fredborg, Jim Clark and Stephen D. Smith. Using my experience in this field to examine the sensory aspect of the lemon will help me draw attention to the incredible universality of the lemon as a sensory subject. Especially its acidic flavour and human reaction to it, which are the same regardless of culture.
Methods:
To achieve the objectives of my practice-based research, I will employ a range of artistic methodologies, including:
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Proposed Timeline/Structure of Project:
Year 1: Conceptualisation and Research
Year 2: Artistic Development and Production
Year 3: Exhibition and Dissemination
Throughout the three-year PhD program, maintain an ongoing dialogue with supervisors, mentors, and collaborators, seeking feedback and guidance to ensure the successful realisation of the project goals. I want to commit to consistent and regular work on the artistic and academic goals.
![]()
Lemon morning (2023)
Indicative Bibliography:
Barratt, E. L., Davis, N. J. (2015). Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR): a flow-like mental state. PeerJ, 3, e851. Available at: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.851 (Accessed 05/02/2024)
Cole, A. (2012). The Transdisciplinary Studio. New York: Sternberg Press.
Fredborg, B., Clark, J., and Smith, S. D. (2017) An Examination of Personality Traits Associated with Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR).
Heywood, I. (Ed.). (2018). Sensory Arts and Design. London: Routledge.
Kubler, G. (1962). The Shape of Time: Remarks on the History of Things. New Haven: Yale University Press.
Marks, L. U. (2002). Touch: Sensuous Theory and Multisensory Media. Minnesota: University of Minnesota Press.
Orr, S., & Shreeve, A. (2017). Art and Design Pedagogy in Higher Education: Knowledge, Values and Ambiguity in the Creative Curriculum. London: Routledge.
Poerio, G., Blakey, E., Hostler, T., Veltri, T. (2018) More than a feeling: Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is characterised by reliable changes in affect and physiology. PLoS ONE 13(6): e0196645. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0196645 (Accessed 05/02/2024)
Serres, M. (2008). The Five Senses: A Philosophy of Mingled Bodies. London: Bloomsbury Publishing.
Sobchack, V. (2016). Carnal Thoughts: Embodiment and Moving Image Culture. Oakland: University of California Press.
Sonneman, T. (2012). Lemon: A Global History (The Edible Series).
Sontag, S. (1966). Against interpretation, and other essays. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux
![CV]()
![portfolio]()
As a passionate and dedicated professional in the field of Art and Science, I am thrilled to apply for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program at Transart Institute, with a rich background in experimental arts, creative research and transdisciplinary art practices. My main areas of research are lemons, ASMR and AI.
Currently, I started working as a Visiting Practitioner at UAL: London College of Communication, where I am giving lectures and workshops to 3rd year (final) year students of BA (Hons) Photography on experimental art processes and final delivery of such artworks, like exhibitions and art publications.
I have also been extensively working on developing my art practice and independent research. This time, especially after my graduation show at UAL: Central Saint Martins, where I was exhibiting my lemon lamps for the first time, has provided me with valuable insights into the direction I want to take. Throughout my career, I have gained accomplishments and experiences in many fields.
Some of the highlights from my CV include Underwater Cables: Telematic Performance - Art Residency at Lasalle, Singapore, in 2023, which was a two-week telematic collaboration between Singapore, Norway and Switzerland. I was recently a finalist of the 99 Future Blueprint Artist Prize 2024, an art competition by Artsted. Since 2017, I have been continuously exhibiting my works internationally, including places like: Czong Institute for Contemporary Art (CICA), Tate Modern, Lethaby Gallery, The Koppel Project, I.P.F: Independent Photography Festival, Short Waves International Film Festival.
The driving force behind my work is a profound passion for creativity and pursuing innovation in experimental processes. Hence, I propose the most comprehensive lemon exploration in the sense of transdisciplinary art material and object of observation. Looking ahead, I am excited about the opportunity to further deepen my knowledge and expertise in lemon knowledge through doctoral study at Transart Institute. By pursuing advanced research in creative practice, I aim to create the most extended research on the use of lemons in experimental art practice. My decision to seek a PhD is rooted in my desire for broader impact and my contribution to art. The interdisciplinary approach and supportive community at Transart Institute will provide me with the ideal environment to pursue my academic and artistic goals.
I am incredibly enthusiastic about joining the vibrant community of scholars and artists at Transart Institute. I am eager to engage in critical dialogue, collaborative inquiry, and creative experimentation as I embark on this exciting new chapter of my academic and artistic journey. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the dynamic intellectual community at Transart Institute.
Lemon Lamps Prep (2023)
Project Working Title:
'100 Lemon Experiments': Exploring the Use of Lemons in Transdisciplinary Art Practice.
Current Creative Research Project Aims or Questions:
- How can the lemon, as a transdisciplinary art material, serve as a metaphor for exploring themes of absence, (environmental) change and time passing?
- What new applications can be employed to incorporate the sensory aspects of lemons, such as scent, texture and taste, into multisensory art experiences? And can it connect to Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR)?
- How can the artistic exploration of lemons foster dialogues on environmental sustainability?
Description of Project/Goals in Three Sentences:
This research project seeks to investigate the multifaceted significance of lemons in transdisciplinary art practice, examining their potential as material, subject of observations and metaphor. Throughout the three years, I want to try 100 different uses of lemons in fields like (but not limited to) film, photography, sound, music, art performance, participatory experiences, art installations, sculpture, collage, paintings, prints, and publications; I aim to provoke sensory engagement and critical reflection on the lemon's ecological, social, and existential dimensions. Ultimately, this exploration seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the intersections between art, science, and human experience.
Contextual/Literature Review:
During my final year at MA in Art and Science at CSM, I began my lemon exploration. One night around 4 am, I woke up with a mess in my head; I had no idea where to go; with life, with my art. My art works were not working for me anymore. I head to the kitchen to get my usual calming warm water with sour lemon juice and a hint of sugar. But there it was or actually was not. No lemons in my house. This reflects the madness I was going through; I was unsure about anything, missing everything. Now, left with nothing. No lemons in my house. At the exact moment when I realised I how much need them, I sat down by my desk with a dim light on and started thinking about lemons; I got obsessed with them that night. I started creating straight away. I fell asleep somewhere during that process, and the first thing to do when I opened my eyes was journey to the nearest open shop for a lemon stock-up. I bought 10 of them.
For the past year, I have been using lemons as my primary material and subject of experimentation. I have been obsessed about them. I have produced a series of collages, clay lemons, lemon cyanotypes, participatory events, lemon-themed DJ sets, a collection of lemon lamps and lemonade-making live music performances. I am eager to continue this exploration during my PhD.
Lemonscapes (2023) live lemon music performance, UAL: Central Saint Martins
The literature on transdisciplinary art practice and sensory aesthetics provides a rich framework for exploring the themes and methodologies in my lemon research project. Works such as "The Transdisciplinary Studio" (2012) by Alex Cole and "Sensory Arts and Design" (2018), edited by Ian Heywood, offer incredible insights into the theoretical underpinnings of transdisciplinary approaches to artmaking and the role of sensory perception in aesthetic experiences. Additionally, studies on the cultural significance of lemons like "Lemon: A Global History" (2012) by Toby Sonnemanand, and the sensorial turn in contemporary art discussed in works like „Against interpretation, and other essays” (1966) by Susan Sontag, „Art and Design Pedagogy in Higher Education: Knowledge, Values and Ambiguity in the Creative Curriculum" (2017) by Susan Orr and Alison Shreeve or "Touch: Sensuous Theory and Multisensory Media" (2002) by Laura U. Marks, provide valuable context for understanding the symbolic potential of lemons as a transdisciplinary artistic medium.
My secondary research area is the phenomena of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR), which I have been exploring since 2019, when working on my film 'a weird notion', featured internationally at film festivals and galleries. My knowledge is based on leading scientific papers in the field, like “Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR): a flow-like mental state” (2015) by Emma Barratt and Nick Davis or “An Examination of Personality Traits Associated with Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR)” by Beverley Fredborg, Jim Clark and Stephen D. Smith. Using my experience in this field to examine the sensory aspect of the lemon will help me draw attention to the incredible universality of the lemon as a sensory subject. Especially its acidic flavour and human reaction to it, which are the same regardless of culture.
Methods:
To achieve the objectives of my practice-based research, I will employ a range of artistic methodologies, including:
- Experimental material explorations: Engaging in hands-on experimentation with lemons and related materials to explore their sensory properties and aesthetic possibilities. I want to come up with up to 100 different uses of lemons.
- Critical reflection and documentation: Reflecting on the process and outcomes of my artistic experiments through journaling, photography, and video documentation to inform iterative refinements and deepen conceptual insights to develop new ways to use lemons.
- Visual Ethnography: Utilise ethnographic methods such as participant observation, interviews, and visual documentation to explore how people interact with lemons in everyday life and artistic practice. This approach can involve visiting lemon orchards, markets, and culinary events to observe sensory experiences and cultural practices associated with lemons.
- Sensory Mapping: Develop sensory maps or diagrams to chart the multisensory experiences lemons evoke, including visual, olfactory, gustatory, tactile, and auditory sensations. This method can involve creating visual representations of lemon-related stimuli and sensory pathways to elucidate how different senses interact and influence perception.
- Collaborative work: Reach out to artists and scientists to create meaningful collaborations. It can help me explore fields where I require better expertise and navigate my project in a direction I could not think about.
Lemon Lamp no. 2 (2023)
Proposed Timeline/Structure of Project:
Year 1: Conceptualisation and Research
- Conduct an extensive literature review and conceptual development phase, delving into lemons' cultural, historical, and symbolic significance in art, literature, and society. Explore relevant theories and methodologies in transdisciplinary art practice, sensory aesthetics, and cultural studies. Begin material experimentation and prototyping, exploring different artistic techniques for incorporating lemons into artworks. Experiment with various mediums in fields like film, photography, sound, music, art performance, participatory experiences, art installations, sculpture, collage, paintings, prints, and publications. Analyse and synthesise findings from the literature review and material experimentation phase. Refine conceptual themes and develop a coherent framework for creating and presenting artworks in the subsequent years.
Year 2: Artistic Development and Production
- Deepen material experimentation and prototyping, focusing on refining artistic techniques and exploring innovative ways to evoke sensory experiences through lemon-themed artworks. Collaborate with artists, scientists, and community members to co-create immersive installations and participatory experiences. Engage in intensive studio practice, dedicating time to creating lemon projects. Commit to regular thesis writing. Explore interdisciplinary approaches to artmaking, incorporating insights from collaborative dialogues and experiential learning activities. Transition to the production phase, where the focus shifts towards finalising artworks for public exhibition and engagement. Document the artistic process and outcomes through written reflections, visual documentation, and multimedia presentations.
Year 3: Exhibition and Dissemination
- Prepare for public exhibition and dissemination of artworks, including logistical planning, venue coordination, and promotional activities. Collaborate with curators, galleries, and cultural institutions to organise exhibitions and public events showcasing lemon-themed artworks. Present artworks to diverse audiences through exhibitions, artist talks, workshops, and other public engagement activities. Facilitate interactive experiences that encourage viewers to explore the sensory dimensions of lemons and reflect on the broader themes addressed in the artworks. Reflect on the overall trajectory of the project, evaluating achievements, challenges, and areas for future research. Disseminate research findings through academic publications, conference presentations, and online platforms, contributing to the scholarly discourse on transdisciplinary art practice and sensory aesthetics.
Throughout the three-year PhD program, maintain an ongoing dialogue with supervisors, mentors, and collaborators, seeking feedback and guidance to ensure the successful realisation of the project goals. I want to commit to consistent and regular work on the artistic and academic goals.
Lemon morning (2023)
Indicative Bibliography:
Barratt, E. L., Davis, N. J. (2015). Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR): a flow-like mental state. PeerJ, 3, e851. Available at: https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.851 (Accessed 05/02/2024)
Cole, A. (2012). The Transdisciplinary Studio. New York: Sternberg Press.
Fredborg, B., Clark, J., and Smith, S. D. (2017) An Examination of Personality Traits Associated with Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR).
Heywood, I. (Ed.). (2018). Sensory Arts and Design. London: Routledge.
Kubler, G. (1962). The Shape of Time: Remarks on the History of Things. New Haven: Yale University Press.
Marks, L. U. (2002). Touch: Sensuous Theory and Multisensory Media. Minnesota: University of Minnesota Press.
Orr, S., & Shreeve, A. (2017). Art and Design Pedagogy in Higher Education: Knowledge, Values and Ambiguity in the Creative Curriculum. London: Routledge.
Poerio, G., Blakey, E., Hostler, T., Veltri, T. (2018) More than a feeling: Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is characterised by reliable changes in affect and physiology. PLoS ONE 13(6): e0196645. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0196645 (Accessed 05/02/2024)
Serres, M. (2008). The Five Senses: A Philosophy of Mingled Bodies. London: Bloomsbury Publishing.
Sobchack, V. (2016). Carnal Thoughts: Embodiment and Moving Image Culture. Oakland: University of California Press.
Sonneman, T. (2012). Lemon: A Global History (The Edible Series).
Sontag, S. (1966). Against interpretation, and other essays. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux
