The paper emphasizes the importance of cultural knowledge in teaching transdisciplinary practices as a form of holistic art education. "Infinite Saree" is a theatre production created through transdisciplinary collaboration, exploring connections between Life Science, Visual Arts, Carnatic Music, and Theru-Koothu (Folk Theatre). This paper will outline the research methodologies used to integrate these disciplines in the creation of "Infinite Saree" and demonstrate how they can serve as educational tools in classroom teaching. The presentation of the paper is divided into three parts. Firstly, I will discuss three research principles—systematic inquiry, scientific perspective, and symbolic representations—and their application in interpreting the relationships between different disciplines. Secondly, I will introduce scientific, visual, and cultural perspectives as educational tools for transdisciplinary practice. In this context, I will also introduce the concept of ஐக்கியம் (Aikiyam), which provides a platform for translating artistic practice through one's own cultural perspective. Thirdly, I will illustrate how we developed community arts education programs in collaboration with various artistic communities through workshops such as the Bio-Arts Workshop, Dance Workshop, and Music Workshop. These collaborations led to the creation of DNA Saree and DNA Carnatic, pioneering initiatives in South Indian Arts. These achievements were made possible through the application of cultural knowledge to transdisciplinary studies. The paper will also emphasize the importance of "decolonizing" our education process by integrating cultural knowledge, which is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and culturally relevant art education. In doing so, it enriches students' learning experiences and broadens their understanding of art through cultural knowledge.

Authors:
Chandrasekaran S, University of the Arts Singapore, Singapore

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Chandrasekaran S is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at Singapore University of Singapore, LASALLE, College of the Arts in Singapore

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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