Keywords
cultural studies
history of cultural studies
methodology
basics of scientific research
How to Cite
Abstract
The article examines studies of visual culture, which, despite their dynamic development, require systematization due to a number of unresolved issues, methodological gaps, disciplinary challenges, and insufficiently studied sociocultural aspects. The aim of the work is to systematize the main issues of contemporary visual culture studies, focusing on the problems and challenges those researchers continue to face. The study is based on a systematic analysis of domestic and foreign works in the field of visual culture, using historical-comparative and hermeneutic methods. Results: The main issues of contemporary visual culture studies are systematized in the form of four key problems. Firstly, there is a conceptual and terminological problem related to the lack of unity in the name of the field and doubts about its subject and goals. Secondly, there is a historical and chronological problem concerning the definition of the chronological framework and origins of the research field. Thirdly, there is an ontological and epistemological problem manifested in discrepancies in the definition of the object of research and a certain theoretical split. The study focuses on forms of mass representation, visual practices in advertising, design, fashion, and digital art. Finally, the theoretical and methodological problem reflects the consequences of a split in art science, which contributed to the emergence of visual culture studies, as innovators did not reach a common understanding of the subject and methods of the new direction, which hinders its establishment. Visual studies consciously proclaim themselves to be a “de-disciplinary practice” and demonstrate “methodological anarchism,” which complicates the demarcation of their subject area from other humanities. Conclusions: Despite its relevance, the main issues of contemporary visual culture studies face significant challenges related to conceptual and terminological uncertainty, discussions about chronological boundaries, ontological and epistemological differences, and theoretical and methodological ambiguity.
References
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