Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Soy Nadie ( I'M Nobody ), Jenny V. Castañon

Theses and Dissertations

In my past paintings, I tried to figure out why my subjects had me empathizing with strangers. Looking back on my Mexican-American upbringing, I realized how society and my communal culture are influencing the way I think and process information. So, for this body of work, the physical fragmentation of the figure alludes to a psychological fragmentation. In this case, it is as if the figure cannot withstand the tension and is barely able to remain whole and recognizable. What remains of the person is trying to repair itself. The pressure in my mind is between the values of general …

Sunday Dinner, George Dominic Barreca

Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Archeology often evaluates social class through the symbolism and refinement of ceramic pottery. Recording undecorated and decorated vessels placed within a spectrum, determines a social economy through the Ceramic Value Index. Austere, robust earthenware is usually considered peasantry or lower class whereas fine, opulent porcelain is categorized under the vessels of aristocracy or affluence. I am interested in utilizing this historical method to consider use, decoration, and value through the lens of the contemporary working class.

In my work, I employ simple molds and hand-building techniques to define a process that relates to the “economy of means” found within …