Creative process, tradition, convention: their interrelatedness in the visual arts

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the concepts of creative process, tradition, and convention, in the visual arts, and to inquire into their interrelatedness. The study provides working definitions for each of the concepts under consideration and thorough inquiry into their individual natures. The interrelatedness of the concepts has been examined in some aspects of 20th century thought, particularly in relation to the field of visual art. The research consisted of an investigation of the related literature in the fields of art history, art criticism, psychology, philosophy, and science, and inferences have been drawn from each. The conclusions show that there is a definite interrelatedness between the creative process, tradition, and convention as defined in the study; that most advanced creative innovations have to be articulated in a traditional language in order to be understood and appreciated. In addition, it was felt that tradition is subject to scrutiny each time it interrelates with the creative process. Cumulative in nature, tradition constantly broadens its basis to accommodate innovations. Convention results when the successful outcome of such interrelating becomes arrested and perpetuated.