A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study Encountering of Hikayat Raja Pasai Through Animated Drawing as Hero Journey

Abstract

This research utilised the practise-based method of art focussing on the hero’s journey and his inquiry in the search for information and knowledge related to Hikayat Raja Pasai; a Malay mythological narrative, for the conceptual framing within phenomenology and methodology (practise-based research). Therefore, this research unfolds the creative process revealing the gaps in reading the narrative into drawing practise, animation making, and hermeneutic phenomenology method as an important instrument in practise-based research. The main aim in the practise-based method cultivates our creativity within the authentic condition of knowledge through gathering and navigating artistic collective projects based on the context of the industry (Grierson & Brearley, 2009, p. 1). Looking into Heidegger’s concept, the attributes of knowledge reflected by Grierson in the pedagogical research project refer to the phrase of “The Way of …”. Such indigenous phrase thus shapes my way of reframing this research and it forms the guideline and strategy in the writing process that contributes to the narratives through both knowing and being. The outcomes of this research are divided into two sections. The first is the practical outputs such as animated drawing which provides an overview of the artistic explorations through a series of works of art that derives from drawing in multiples disciplines including drawing on paper and animation making. Furthermore, I also documented the findings via practical instrument supported by art publications and catalogues of exhibitions as further documentations and theoretical evidences. The second section involves framing the subject matter to synchronise with the theoretical basis underpinning the contextual inquiries such as the hero’s journey as well as the hermeneutic phenomenology methods to analyse the decision and experiences. The research is also related to the visual interpretation that makes sense in the artist’s mind; consciously and unconsciously, with which the musings inspired the creations.