COP3 - Unpicking my Research Question

After receiving the general advice from Fred regarding this module and the common hurdles we are likely to encounter, I thought now would be as good a time as any to begin to really look at my chosen research question, establish exactly what it is asking and investigate how to relate this to my chosen topic/theme.

A reminder of my COP3 project proposal:

A reminder of my chosen COP3 research question:

"To what extent has illustration constructed 
our understanding or view of historical events

and perceptions of truth?"

Thoughts
Initially, as you will see from my original COP3 proposal above, I found it hard to pin down one of the questions given to us as I felt my chosen topic could be appropriate for many.
In reflection, I feel my choice in question is a strong one and as advised in my proposal feedback - other factors and elements from alternative questions can always feed into my theoretical research. They can all link in someway. 

In previous COP projects, I have found it hard to keep illustration linked and connected to my chosen topic or question and I believe my choice in research question for COP3 is key for me as it will really help me to keep my topic focused, on point and in relation to creativity, remaining at the forefront of my findings and responses. I also found it incredibly easy to focus entirely on the written side of this module last year sometimes becoming confused of how to incorporate artwork and make this relevant to my research. Being aware of how important the synergy is between written and physical artwork for this project, this question involving illustration and its direct impact should also help me to engage visually with my subject and gain new ideas.

Un-picking my question and relating it to my topic

"To what extent has illustration...

• Advertising? Flags, flyers, posters, products, events, packaging, music, film, tv, fashion

...constructed our understanding or view...

• Propaganda?  Law vs People? Protest?

• How has illustration played a part in the psychedelic movement? +

• How has creative culture and illustration been impacted by the psychedelic movement?

- 1960's hippie culture

- posters

- fashion

- artwork

- album art

- acid tab art

- music

- music memorabilia

- design

- interior design

- festivals

- gaming

- film & tv

• How has psychedelia impacted culture? Including creativity within these cultures?

- Impact in various cultures

- traditions

- faiths

- countries

- shamanic rituals

- ancient history

• Where are psychedelics / psychedelia thriving? Making a comeback? Why?

• What is psychedelic art?

- what makes it psychedelic (critically analyse known psychedelic art)

- what does psychedelic art incorporate? - main themes / subjects of focus, colours, 

  shapes, beliefs...

- has this artistic movement helped to create or stemmed from other creative movements?

- Where does it appear? 

- What is it used for? How is it used / in what context? 

- Who does it appeal too? 

- What are the main thoughts / taboos associated with this movement and artwork / 

  creativity linked with it?

• Positive and negative creative propaganda surrounding psychedelia- what part has 

  illustration played in this?

...of historical events and perceptions of truth?"

• Key historical events to do with psychedelia?
- LSD
- 1960's
- USA Psychoactive Substances Ban
- Discoveries in medicine
- Underground rave culture

• Taboos regarding the substances themselves? Why? How?

• Truths vs lies and their impact?
- Law
- Substance usage
- Medicine
- How psychedelic art is received within creative circles
- What we have been lead to believe and why?
- War on drugs and legalisation

• Is societies view of psychedelics changing as acceptance grows due to the changes in law and medicine? What part is illustration playing if any and what does this mean for psychedelics and creative culture?