Art and Design Commons^™

Points Of Contention: Oddities, Delicacies, & Monstrosities, Arthur T. Brown

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Points of Contention, an MFA exhibit, features fifteen works of relief-printed images from carved linoleum and layers of type printed with antique letterpress wood type. The work constitutes a visual exploration of dissatisfaction and disenchantment presented through the context of odd stories in the news and major current events, such as election politics and the closing of Hostess bakeries, as well as, NSA data collection and gun violence.

This supporting thesis explores the conceptual and physical processes of creating the pieces, including researching other artists who have wrestled with similar topics and produced their own unique reaction and resolution …

Public Art In Urban Parks., Taylor Crush, 1990-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

An analysis of contemporary public art in urban parks reveals challenges concerning the conservation of artworks and the stability of public interest. These issues have been relevant throughout history. Historical evidence reveals the transition of public art representing a ruling cultural or governmental power to art that represents visions of the public. Despite this change, the continuation of public interest remains a concern as art becomes neglected and misinterpreted. Efforts to properly educate, provide formal evaluations, and support daily maintenance of the art are a constant concern for arts organizations. After explicating public art in public spaces and art in …

Hugh Haynie And The Art Of Opinion : Examining History, Memory And Controversy In Museum Exhibitions And Interpretation., Jessica Bennett Kincaid

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This paper, which accompanies the exhibit “Hugh Haynie: The Art of Opinion”, examines the illustrative work of Louisville Courier-Journal editorial cartoonist Hugh Haynie, and the impact of his social and political commentary from 1958-1997. His cartoons targeted countless prominent political figures and notable pop culture personalities. His stance on controversial topics of the era was extremely progressive and his work facilitated political discourse through an easily accessible platform. The cartoons in the exhibit explore issues that occupied the work of Hugh Haynie, but are still very much with us today. The works selected for display present the multiple roles Hugh …

Not Even Or Pretty : Improvisational Textiles From Recycled Clothing., Karen Anne Habeeb 1974-

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis accompanies an exhibit of hand-stitched abstract geometric compositions in wool and other fibers recycled from discarded clothing. My work is process-driven, centered in a method of improvisation intended to break down the egocentric, perfectionist tendencies that are a barrier to free artistic action and creativity. An introduction sets the context for inquiry into strategies to pursue creative work fluidly without anxiety. A chronological discussion of specific works illustrates the gradual learning process and research that led me to articulate an effective working practice. Various cultural traditions and artists inform my work: the Gee’s Bend and other African-American improvisational …

Concrete Painting, Stephanie Cafcules

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the evolution of my artwork with synthetic materials through influences of the Minimalist and Process Artists of the 1960's and 1970's, inspiration from natural forms, and my exploration of concrete painting. Each work reveals discoveries of different processes and materials, accelerating the creation of new works. It is my hope this thesis will inform viewers about the process and concepts that my work embodies.

Doubting Thomas: The Testaments, Ivan Riascos

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This paper will discuss the creation of my artwork, which has been inspired by my experiences and understandings of Catholicism and its icons. I will consider how iconography works in art, its influence, and how and why I have created this artwork dealing with my beliefs. I will also refer to the works of contemporary artists Duane Michals and Michael Wesely to help explain my exhibition, which I have titled "Doubting Thomas: The Testaments."

Financial Forest, Karen Carlson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Regular savings behavior is critical for low-income Americans to achieve financial mobility. New technology tools are being used to improve personal awareness and attention to financial goals. This thesis reviews mobile learning (mLearning) research and leading commercial personal finance smartphone apps, both of which inform the design of Financial Forest, a savings app. Participants in the 4-week Financial Forest savings study are found to have a statistically significant improved perception of the difficulty of building an emergency fund.

Keren, Shelly Bradon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The intent of this thesis is to recognize the everyday victories of a child living with physical disabilities. This complicated subject matter has forced the exploration of a variety of media to successfully communicate the story; drawing, painting, china painting, altered books and sculpture have all become part of the process. At the age of 8 months the subject, Keren Hernandez, was diagnosed with Bilateral Closed- lip Schizencephaly, a rare disorder that inhibits development. Since the diagnosis seven years ago her family has struggled to overcome these challenges, committing to avail themselves to every resource possible. I began painting and …

Recollections: An Internal Analysis Of Memory And Perception, Samuel Jimenez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

I investigate the depths of memory, the entanglement of personal recollections with communal knowledge (learned semantic information from media and society such as facts and social norms) and the changing perceptions of environments over time. Memories define us. Throughout life we are exposed to vast quantities of imagery through a variety of media and personal experiences. Over time our firsthand experiences and what we witness in film, print, photography, and the internet become indistinguishable in our memory. My work recreates consequential scenes from my past through technical drawings and blended imagery while exploring the possibilities provided by the interaction of …

Secondary World: The Limits Of Ludonarrative, David Dannelly

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Secondary World: The Limits of Ludonarrative is a series of short narrative animations that are a theoretical treatise on the limitations of western storytelling in video games. The series covers specific topics relating to film theory, game design and art theory: specifically those associated with Gilles Deleuze, Jean Baudrillard, Jay Bolter, Richard Grusin and Andy Clark. The use of imagery, editing and presentation is intended to physically represent an extension of myself and my thinking process and which are united through the common thread of my personal feelings, thoughts and experiences in the digital age.

Projected Surfaces, Jason Flynn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this paper I will address the philosophies of Susan Sontag, Roland Barthes and Thomas Ruff by considering the object, materials and processes of photography as my primary motivator to create art. I will examine the contrast between photographic imagery, as an illusion of the past, and sculpture, as a physical manifestation of the present, when creating works that ask, "What else can photography be?"

Ar Physics: Transforming Physics Diagrammatic Representations On Paper Into Interactive Simulations., Yao Zhou

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A problem representation is a cognitive structure created by the solver in correspondence to the problem. Sketching representative diagrams in the domain of physics encourages a problem solving strategy that starts from 'envisionment' by which one internally simulates the physical events and predicts outcomes. Research studies also show that sketching representative diagrams improves learner's performance in solving physics problems. The pedagogic benefits of sketching representations on paper make this traditional learning strategy remain pivotal and worthwhile to be preserved and integrated into the current digital learning landscape. In this paper, I describe AR Physics, an Augmented Reality based application that …

Dis Connect, Bradley Scott Luke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Working Life, Benny A. Melton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In our culture, a person's profession is often made evident by the apparel worn or the tools being used. On the surface, urban scenes may convey a gentle flow and constant motion, which are characteristics of an ordered society. Beneath the visible elements are relationships which may represent a vastly different perspective. The work of artists often outlives the artist just as the result of labor may outlive the laborer. Giza's great pyramids are ancient wonders that baffle modern engineers and scientists as to how they may have been built. Though the exact techniques used may not be known there …

Rethinking Levanna Ceramics: A Tenth Century Short Term Occupation Site In Central New York, Christina T. Rogers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The analysis of ceramics located inside of a proto-longhouse at Levanna, an early 10th century site overlooking Cayuga Lake in Central New York have found the established typologies of the area to be less rigid and contain much more variability than would be expected. Levanna appears to be a short-term occupation site (ca. 30 years) containing a variety of ceramics. In past studies Levanna had been deemed an "Owasco" era (900-1400 A.D.) site by early and some recent archaeologists, yet the analysis of features and ceramics found during the 2008 and 2009 excavations help deconstruct the idea or concept of …

Gayme: The Development, Design And Testing Of An Auto-Ethnographic, Documentary Game About Quarely Wandering Urban/Suburban Spaces In Central Florida., David Moran

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

GAYME is a transmedia story-telling world that I have created to conceptually explore the dynamics of queering game design through the development of varying game prototypes. The final iteration of GAYME is @deadquarewalking'. It is a documentary game and a performance art installation that documents a carless, gay/queer/quare man's journey on Halloween to get to and from one of Orlando's most well-known gay clubs - the Parliament House Resort. "The art of cruising" city streets to seek out queer/quare companionship particularly amongst gay, male culture(s) is well-documented in densely, populated cities like New York, San Francisco and London, but not …

Digital Interactive Games For Assessment: A Study Of The Effectiveness Of A Digital Game As A Measure Of Students' Understanding Of Boolean Logic, Mohammad Ali Haji

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Digital games have been used mostly for entertainment but recently researchers have started to use digital games in other areas such as education and training. Researchers have shown that digital games can provide a compelling, creative, and collaborative environment for learning. However, the popularity of computers and the Internet brings this question to mind: Are the assessment methods falling behind and remaining traditional? Will the traditional methods of learning and knowledge assessment be sufficient for this new generation who are starving for new technology? This study investigates the effectiveness of using a digital interactive game as an assessments method - …

The Space Between, Aaron Joseph Mcelfish

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This series of abstracted landscapes is a visual representation of a challenge to step outside of my comfort zone. The paintings are an expression of emotions never before presented in the artist's work. The series expresses the visceral sensation of isolation, anger, and solace experienced throughout the creation of the work. The abstracted landscapes are an expression of the journey from anger and frustration to a path towards understanding and enlightenment. In the early stages, there were no tangible plans, just painting on tar-paper. The work then evolved to black and white latex paints built up over joint compound and …

Fragmented, Max Rebel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis, Fragmented, outlines Rebel’s explorations with materials and techniques that led to the creation of his current work that was presented in his MFA Exhibition. Fragmented focuses on elements of abandoned and ignored structures found in both urban and rural communities. Rebel is interested in the visual characteristics directly related to manufactured landscapes that have been reshaped by neglect, specifically, surfaces that appear old and weathered. The assemblages he makes in reference to these deserted sites do not comment on specific architectural locations. Instead, they are meant to emphasize common traits found at multiple sites. By working with …

Eleven Bullets: A Counter Assault On Subjectivity And The Creation Of Meaning, Jason Wayne Walker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Eleven Bullets: A Counter Assault on Subjectivity and the Creation of Visual Meaning explores the sources of visual meaning as a combination of shared personal experience among the mass audience and the perpetuation of this meaning via popular cultural applications. It proposes that the analysis of an artist’s personal experience with sensory perception is the foundation for his or her ability to instill meaning within a design. By understanding how we make associations with experiences that are pleasurable, painful, safe, dangerous, passive, aggressive etc., we organize our world according to visual stereotypes. These stereotypes help us navigate the world efficiently …