https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/124767 Sat, 04 Apr 2026 06:54:19 GMT 2026-04-04T06:54:19Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141351 Title: A study in Greek mythology : stop-motion and compositing Abstract: Stop-motion animation has long since established itself as an art form, since the very first documented animation attempt in 1898, and one of the most commonly encountered themes spanning through this period of one hundred and thirty years is the retelling or adaptation of old tales, folklore and myths. Despite the repetition of this broad theme, in a more specific frame, that being of the Greek stop-motion film scene, documented attempts and productions in this art field are very few, emerging only in the past decade. The aim of this dissertation is to bridge the gap of Greek mythology and stop-motion animation in a local context, by creating a short-film adaptation of the original myth of Narcissus and Echo. As a result, this project will shed light in the process of building, filming and post-production, and hopefully it will inspire and guide others to pursuit, while helping them demystify stop-motion as an art form. Description: BFA (Hons)(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141351 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141350 Title: The role of illustrated literature in children's development Abstract: This dissertation investigates the role of illustrated literature in children’s development, specifically its impact on cognitive, psychological, and social awareness. Based on Erikson’s and Piaget’s psychological research and theories, my study seeks to highlight the great influence of illustrated literature on young minds, contributing to a better understanding of early development and educational methods. The study uses a mixed-methodologies approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods via a "written interview". The precious information provided by professional figures such as an illustrator, a publisher, and a teacher highlighted the cognitive benefits of illustrated literature, such as improved language acquisition and literacy skills, hand in hand with the use of this object through personal experience as parental figures. Likewise, the emotional connection created by vivid drawings helps children developing empathy, emotional intelligence and gaining new perspectives. The growing popularity of screens and technological items has led to concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on children's well-being. Innovative solutions that I will develop in this thesis, such as Famlinky, will combine the draw of illustrated narrative with the accessibility of smartphone apps. Famlinky wants to revive children's love of reading by using digital media to offer fresh and engaging reading experiences. This study also explores the impact of many elements, such as graphic style, narrative complexity, and cultural representations. All of this was adapted to my unique artistic style and creative process, which resulted in the creation of the design of app’s interfaces, an original story and an illustrated digital book adapted for smartphone screens. This dissertation highlights the crucial role of illustrated literature in creating children's developmental methods, highlighting its ability to spark imagination, promote empathy, and improve sociocultural awareness. This dissertation contributes to current discussions about children's literature, education, and human development, benefitting the creating of a more inclusive and supportive society. Description: BFA (Hons)(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141350 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141349 Title: Bridging the gap between AI and human creativity : an inquiry into the integration of artificial intelligence in the creative arts in digital Art Abstract: The objective of this dissertation concerns AI's role in the creative processes to safeguard professional standards. It investigates whether artificial intelligence can replicate or supplement human creativity and concentrates on the cultural and economic impacts AI has on the art industry. By conducting empirical experiments utilising the AI art generator DALL-E and comparing the results to illustrations I have created, this research seeks to assess the distinctions between AI-generated and human-generated art in terms of emotive resonance, artistic expression, and subtleties. The economic influence of AI on the Art market tends to directly impact the material quality of human artists. Consequently, a debate emerges on the worth and devaluation of Art in the era of technological replication. This line of thinking inspired the formulation of the research question – Can Ai Replace Human Creativity in Digital Arts? Through an analysis of the constraints imposed by the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence, this research makes a scholarly contribution to the ongoing dialogue surrounding the status of conventional craftsmanship in the age of digitalization. An examination of AI's trajectory in the realm of art offers valuable perspectives on DALL-E's evolution, its aptitude for identifying patterns, and the constraints stemming from AI's imprecision when it comes to depicting the intricacies of human ingenuity. Additionally, it examines the societal and ethical ramifications that arise from the incorporation of AI into the art sector, shedding light on issues such as ownership, authorship, and the potential devaluation of artwork in an age of technological replication. Comparing human-generated and AI-generated artwork using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative and qualitative analyses is detailed in the methodology section. This includes experiments in which participants are asked to assess artworks according to a variety of criteria. Upon reflection of the findings, the research acknowledges both the creative capacity and constraints of artificial intelligence (AI). Description: BFA (Hons)(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141349 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141347 Title: Beyond Boundaries : examining surveillance aspects in future urban living through architectural icons via a virtual reality experience Abstract: This dissertation explores the integration of Panoptic and Dymaxion principles in the design of a virtual reality apartment complex, aiming to challenge conventional notions of privacy and surveillance. Through the fusion of panoptic surveillance strategies and Dymaxion design values, the virtual complex offers an immersive experience that confronts viewers with the pervasiveness of surveillance in contemporary society. The project employs deceptive marketing strategies to initially conceal the panoptic features, only to reveal them within the virtual environment, heightening discomfort and prompting reflection on the extent of surveillance in everyday life. The methodology integrates practice-based artistic research methods with desk research, fostering a synthesis between theoretical exploration and practical implementation. The project aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding privacy and surveillance within the context of art and architectural design, offering insights into the potential ramifications of technological advancements on society Description: BFA (Hons)(Melit.) Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141347 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z