Date of Award
4-1-2007
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.F.A. in Fine Arts
First Advisor
Philip R. Jackson
Second Advisor
Durant Thompson
Third Advisor
Sheri Fleck Rieth
Fourth Advisor
Paula Temple
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
The paintings included in this body of work represent a visualization of internal psychological states of consciousness, in particular those states of mind that underlie and significantly influence decision-making processes. I apply postminimalist concepts in painting to the human face, which metaphorically represents two diametrically opposed psychological conditions. The first condition is the state of ‘desire’ or attachment. It is my belief that when operating out of a state of desire, our freedom of choice is significantly minimized, as we are catering to the needs of internal compulsions. The condition I am representing is one wherein the underlying internal desire wins out over reason during the decision making process. The second state, non-attachment, is a state of consciousness wherein a choice is made out of a state of higher awareness, free from the compelling forces of internal desires, thereby making the choice out of a true state of freedom.
Bearing in mind the historical context of painting, I have reconciled my subject matter with both traditional and contemporary aesthetic ideals. My goal was to implement a method of painting that communicates these psychological states with the most clarity and efficacy. To this end, I immerse my figures in color and light thus exploiting the psychological properties of both.
Recommended Citation
Whittington, Shawn, "Facade" (2007). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3216.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/3216