Bittersweet
Date of Award
2013
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
M.F.A. in Art
Department
Art and Art History
First Advisor
Durant Thompson
Second Advisor
Tom Lee
Third Advisor
Philip Jackson
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
Abstract: as children we perceive the world through an innocent perspective. Parents help shape this world by the stories they tell, the toys they give and the experiences they provide. The games we play are as conceivable as a tangible reality and sometimes leave equal impressions that will inevitably affect the rest of our development. We impart life into our toys making them our protectors and companions. A part of leaving behind adolescence is distinguishing these stories from reality and forming bonds with people rather than objects. However as adults, we still attribute power, emotional significance and even life to inanimate objects because of the association we have for them. They become precious reliquaries in our minds because they relate to our positive experiences, lost loved ones and religious beliefs. The objects provide a physical presence that enforces this formed reality. The reliquaries that we strive to preserve and protect may be organic remnants like bone or skillfully crafted of the finest materials. They can be personal or shared with a collective group. For my thesis exhibit i have crafted my own personal reliquary objects or mementos derived from an embellished fanciful narrative of my life and experiences. They are accompanied by illustrations and stories that depict scenes from chapters in my life. To me the reliquary is an embodiment of the human nature's response to loss and trauma. We hold onto objects and fantasies to cope with these personal tragedies and everyday stresses. This attachment to objects is obsessive and acts as a means to contain and preserve the essence of something precious to us.
Recommended Citation
Munns, Melanie Joy, "Bittersweet" (2013). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 999.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/999
Concentration/Emphasis
Emphasis: Sculpture