An Interactive Documentary: Well-being in the Midst of Turmoil, Mindfulness Practices of Hong Kong Artists

Conference: The European Conference on Media, Communication & Film (EuroMedia2022)
Title: An Interactive Documentary: Well-being in the Midst of Turmoil, Mindfulness Practices of Hong Kong Artists
Stream: Films and Digital Distribution (use of the internet and video sharing)
Presentation Type: Live-Stream Presentation
Authors:
Hoi Shan Anson Mak, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong

Abstract:

In the field of neuroscience and psychology, there have been many studies proving mindfulness practices help mental health. However, there are very few researches done in Hong Kong and this is the very first cross-disciplinary research regarding Hong Kong artists’ mindful practices. Since 2019, Hong Kongers have been experiencing extreme difficulties due to political situations as well as Covid-19. We are forced to bear tremendous changes, separations and sufferings. Hence, studying and sharing mindful practices of artists is both academically important and practically useful to the general public. The research material will be released as interactive documentary that goes along with resources of meditation and mindfulness practices guided by certified instructor in a mobile/desktop web site. All content are free public access for biggest impact. The research was conducted by questionnaire and audio-visual ethnography. 23 artists responded to the questionnaire followed-up by 10 in-depth interviews (musicians, dancers, painters, new media artists, xiqu performer). As mindfulness is an everyday life practice resulting in a blurred boundary between daily routine and artistic practice, it is best demonstrated by ethnographic observation that shows ‘everyday life-ness’ in detail. Thus, ethnography in this research is part of the theoretical framework, going beyond mere research methods. In this presentation, I shall concentrate on i. structure, design and usages of the web site; ii. the types of mindful practices artists do generating self-care and well-being in the midst of emotional, social and political turmoil; iii. relations of artists’ mindful practises with their artistic practices and art-making.



Conference Comments & Feedback

Place a comment using your LinkedIn profile

Comments

Share on activity feed

Powered by WP LinkPress


Share this Presentation