Liminal Affections: Exploring shapes of free association and its potential to inform novel academic practice within the arts and humanities

Liminal Affections does not follow the structure of a traditional practice-based doctoral thesis. This interdisciplinary, ahistorical, non-linear, and infinite atlas on the theory and practice of free association aims to serve as an invitation to explore various approaches to academic storytelling through creative practice. Inspired by the work of Sigmund Freud and Aby Warburg, Liminal Affections investigates how the concept of free association, as present in the work of Freud and Warburg, is reflected in examples from 20th and 21st century artistic practice and can inform novel academic practice within the arts and humanities.

Starting from a closer look at the concept of free association through the work of Freud and Warburg, the research continues in an exploration of this concept via numerous examples of creative thinking and artistic practice. Using the lens of storytelling to connect elements from the concept of free association to arts and humanities practice creates the opportunity for practice-based experimentation to expand on new horizons of artistic research. Applying close reading and creative writing to illustrate the forms and methods of storytelling free association unfolds into an exploration, engaging with and interpreting our words; it is not just what we intend to share but also how we share our lines of thought that can be of impact.

The contribution of Liminal Affections therefore lies both in its form and method; through the fluidity of free association, bridges between theory and practice manifest naturally. This is the start of a conversation, hopefully leading to an incalculable number of stories in many guises.