Abstract :
Using studies made in London, England, plus recent research conducted in
Singapore, this paper investigates the roots of aesthetic and design sensibilities in
the symbolic play and drawing of early infancy. This study supports Colwyn
Trevarthen’s [1996] theory that in an interpersonal space formed between caregiver
and infant, facial expression, gesture and vocalisations of each partner are
orchestrated together and are given powerful expressive and representational values.
Microanalysis of video recordings shows that exploratory actions impelled by the
infant are organised by patterned bursts of emotions. The rhythmic periodicities of
these actions form the structure of later art-making and design, including early
drawing, painting and dance. There are important pedagogical implications
concerning the optimal conditions required to promote art and design
understandings in childhood. The Congress presentation of this paper was illustrated
by video-recorded observations, made in London and Singapore, of the beginnings
of expression, representation and design.
