Mouths and meaning : a multisensory, creative and collaborative arts based exploration of food, eating and embodiment towards gaining greater understanding of the experience of eating disorders

Platten, BM

Abstract

While it is widely recognized that there is no single cause contributing to the onset of
an eating disorder, current understanding of embodiment for those affected is
predominately represented as a preoccupation with body image (Probyn, 2000).
Clinical perspectives tend to consider such illnesses as an individual pathology
resulting from maladaptive cognition. Alternatively, feminist perspectives argue that it
is not possible to consider eating disorders as separate to embodied identity and as
influenced by gender and culture. Yet, academic and linguistic insights alone may not
effectively communicate the distinctive sensuality of embodied subjectivity (Davis,
1997; Gillies et al, 2005). This research proposes that the use of multi-sensory, artistled
practices may augment current interdisciplinary understanding of the embodiment
of eating disorders.
Considering the extensive nature of the subject of embodiment, the research has
focussed upon the mouth. Arguably the mouth, as both arbiter of taste and language
and as liminal - due to its existence both within and out with the body - cannot be so
readily objectified as bodily appearance. The methodology draws on the literature
surrounding theories of embodiment and eating disorders from across disciplines as
well as feminist informed art practice to establish a non-hierarchical approach.
Mouths and Meaning has utilised an innovative, inclusive and ethical drawing method
towards the involvement of others to generate shared knowledge, and as a way to
explore individual interiority of embodiment. Also, extensive collaboration with S -
who has been in recovery from an eating disorder - has conveyed embodiment as
expressed through performance, installations and drawing. Through arts based
research and artwork, Mouths and Meaning navigates across disciplinary divides to
reveal eating disorders as informed through 'practical knowledge' of materiality, as
relational and generative. Additionally, the approach evidences interrelationships with
philosophies informing the role of art in healthcare, correspondences between art
and art therapy and design of healthcare facilities. Insights are evoked through
creative and textual representations of tacit accounts relating to abject materiality of
embodiment alongside the experiential and relational nature of eating disorders and
associated practices.

Citation

Platten, B. Mouths and meaning : a multisensory, creative and collaborative arts based exploration of food, eating and embodiment towards gaining greater understanding of the experience of eating disorders. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jul 27, 2021
• Additional Information: Access Information : The above document includes the main thesis text as well as an extensive appendix called 'The Inventory 1963-2011'.; Funders : Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
• Award Date: Sep 24, 2012