Beyond Words: A Comprehensive Review of Visual Arts-Based Qualitative Research

Abstract

Visual arts-based qualitative research has emerged as a dynamic and innovative approach within the qualitative research paradigm. This comprehensive review aims to explore the breadth and depth of this methodology, highlighting its theoretical foundations, methodological approaches, and diverse applications across various disciplines. Drawing from a synthesis of scholarly literature, this article provides an overview of key concepts, debates, and advancements in visual arts-based qualitative research, emphasizing its potential to enrich our understanding of complex social phenomena. Through a critical examination of exemplary studies, we examine how visual arts-based methods, including drawing, photography, collage, and digital media, offer unique pathways for data collection, analysis, and representation. Furthermore, this review explores the ethical considerations, challenges, and future directions of visual arts-based qualitative research, advocating for its continued integration into qualitative inquiry. By illuminating the multifaceted nature of visual arts-based approaches, this article contributes to ongoing discussions within the research community, encouraging scholars to expand their methodological repertoire and engage in creative forms of inquiry that transcend traditional linguistic boundaries.