Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

1-1-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.F.A. in Art

First Advisor

Melanie D. Ho

Second Advisor

Shiraz Ahmed

Third Advisor

Kathryn B. McKee

School

University of Mississippi

Relational Format

dissertation/thesis

Abstract

Details fade upon waking from dreams, and childhood memories wither over time. My work holds a moment and strips away details. What seems captured is ephemeral. This thesis explores the fleeting nature of memory through a multimedia installation of cyanotype photography and a poetic documentary short film. I blend family videos and photographs with ancient and medieval religious iconography to emphasize art's connection to the unconscious, particularly the archetypes expressed in dreams. The written portion examines the influence, process, and context of my artwork. I delve into these concepts in a review of Southern literature, documentary films, and photography. Oral histories with my mom reflect on Southern standards for women and prophetic dreams. These stories, along with excerpts from my dream journal, reveal parallels to symbolic narratives found throughout space and time. This thesis offers poetic documentation of family tales shaping into mythology.

Bourn in the Valley.mp4 (1755567 kB)
Bourn in the Valley

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