Publication Date

5-2014

Date of Final Oral Examination (Defense)

3-11-2014

Type of Culminating Activity

Thesis

Degree Title

Master of Fine Arts, Visual Arts

Department

Art

Supervisory Committee Chair

Dan Scott, M.F.A.

Supervisory Committee Co-Chair

John Francis, M.S.

Supervisory Committee Member

Francis Fox, M.F.A.

Abstract

This thesis is part of a project that includes a physical body of work in which I investigate ideas about cultural narratives and hierarchies of power. I discuss how animal imagery in the stories that we tell at multiple levels in our culture has been used to communicate societal norms and rules. Thus, the paintings explore the notion of power in contemporary culture. The language of 18th and 19th century portrait painting is employed to draw a comparison between depictions of people in power and animal stereotypes. Childhood games are utilized as a way to demonstrate how social hierarchies are constructed and ideas of power are reinforced. Games are juxtaposed with the paintings as sculptures and are included to draw a comparison between the two.

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