Criticism of creative processes:

a possible approach to dance

Abstract

The objective of this article is to present the research on creative processes developed at the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo/Brazil since 1990. Firstly, we will make a brief history of this line of research, discussing some methodological procedures, followed by a theoretical proposal for a critical approach to the process. If what we seek is the best understanding of the complexity that involves the creative process, we cannot resort to isolated theoretical concepts. It is in this context that the concept of “creation as a network under construction,” is presented. It is a concept of semiotic base (Charles S. Peirce and Vincent Colapietro), dialoguing with the concept of network (Pierre Musso) and with thinkers of complexity, such as Edgar Morin. Then, some specificities of the creative paths of the group processes are discussed, such as construction of the project common to the group and communication of the artistic project. Finally we will discuss the relevance of this approach for critical reflections on contemporary artistic experimentation involving, among other things, sharing practices and different relations between process and work. In this context of sharing and discussing processes, I report my experience with a dance process, as one theoreticians invited for the monitoring of this path.