‘Becoming Animal’: Motifs of Hybridity and Liminality in Fairy Tales and Selected Contemporary Artworks serves as a theoretical examination of the concept of the hybrid. My research unpacks the liminal aspect of hybridity, locating the hybrid in the imaginative world of popular fairy tales, folk lore and mythology. In my accompanying MFA exhibition, Becoming(s), I explore these motifs through an installation of mixed-media sculptures which are based on the hybrid creatures that populated the fantasy world of my childhood. The written component of my MFA submission will relate directly to my professional art practise, developing it further and situating it within a relevant context. In my mini-thesis I will consider the liminal in relation to the ‘animal turn’ in contemporary art, with a particular focus on relevant artists working with the motifs of hybridity, such as Nandipha Mntambo, Jane Alexander and Kiki Smith. The ‘animal turn’ is a term used by Kari Weil (2010: 3) to describe a contemporary interest in issues of the nonhuman, and in the ways that the relationship between humans and nonhumans is marked by “difference, otherness and power”. Of key concern to my research will be Giles Deleuze and Felix Guattari’s concept of ‘becoming animal’. Rather than describing a transition from one stable state to another, ‘becoming animal’ suggests a radical dissolution of boundaries – not just between species (such as ‘human’ and ‘animal’) but between any essentialising binaries. As such, ‘becoming animal’ suggests a conception of identity as being fluid and mutable, rather than stable and fixed.

Uncounted Cadences is a drawing installation in the thesis exhibition that furthers my exploration in tracing movement through psychological and physical geographies. Gestural drawings of human and animal bodies in motion are woven into local landscape imagery that is printed with powdered charcoal through a silkscreen. Using both additive and subtractive processes, the layering and erasure suggest loss, reclamation, and the nature of memory. The drawings are cut and provisionally reassembled into a cinematic sequence as if they are pieces of film being edited and spliced. This process shows an unfolding over time and involves listening to the rhythmic pacing of bodies morphing, decaying, birthing, or leaving. Time is not experienced as progress ; rather, the rearrangement of fragments allows for a continuous retelling of stories. / by Jill Lavetsky. / Thesis (M.F.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2013. / Includes bibliography. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / System requirements: Adobe Reader.

As an MFA candidate at the Florida Atlantic University, I began in figurative painting and ended with abstract ink and pencil drawings in my thesis work. In between was a progression of artistic experimentation in theme, technique and medium to explore issues of female identity and childhood sexual abuse. From a girl trapped in a dark fairytale to a pregnant woman followed by a pedophile to a new mother frustrated that her own ambitions have been usurped, the final transformation of female identity into fierce protector came after confronting memories of child abuse. Using India ink and pencil drawings, my thesis work recreates scenes of a struggle between the same attacker and a powerful mother. She spins her own hair into a delicate, but powerful, barrier that keeps her daughter safe. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.F.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2014.. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Desiring Machinations of Matertekhnologi is an Individualized Multidisciplinary thesis that synthesizes feminist frameworks with new media art to investigate the mediated body in relation to communications technology. The thesis illustrates contemporary, twenty-first century artists working with feminist strategies, the body, performance and technological media. Theoretical discussions are developed that imagine or suggest new forms of subjectivity that could be experienced through artistic appropriation of communicative, networked and technological media. These discussions include my studio investigations and unfold around the following themes: corporeal feminism, body-based philosophy, a subversion or manipulation of consumer technologies through intervention, appropriation and performance, the politics of space and location through networked interaction, and the mediated body in relation to communication technologies through a valorization of embodiment and the senses. / vii, 161 leaves : ill. ; 29 cm. --

Orientador: Maria José de Azevedo Marcondes / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Artes / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-24T17:11:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Valio_LucianaBenettiMarques_D.pdf: 19188044 bytes, checksum: 89dc378e5989e4e90bc9d6f5cca49e49 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Resumo: Pretende-se na tese "Renata Lucas e os espaços públicos: intrincamento e fissura" discutir o conjunto dos trabalhos da artista que se configuram como instalações e intervenções no espaço, com ênfase nas intervenções nos espaços públicos. Parte-se das premissas de que tais trabalhos se instituem como um intrincamento específico com o lugar onde se inserem, e de suas configurações enquanto potencial político. Assim, o objeto da pesquisa decorre das relações que o trabalho artístico estabelece com o espaço, seja em sua fisicalidade ou em sua discursividade. A análise do conjunto dos trabalhos de Renata Lucas, produzidos entre 2001 e 2013, baseia-se em teorias de áreas diversas (filosofia, antropologia, história e, fundamentalmente, nas teorias do campo da arte). Por meio de leituras distintas, tenciona-se ressaltar na poética da artista: a percepção corporal do espectador/participante no espaço; a possibilidade de irromperem-se socialidades; a tentativa de criar uma fricção com o espaço por meio da alteração dos códigos representacionais pré-ordenados. Investigam-se as problematizações decorrentes da intervenção no espaço pré-ordenado, que possibilitem novas leituras e percepções. Procura-se defender, inclusive, o potencial político do trabalho de Renata Lucas como contido em estado de latência, no sentido de um potencial a ser desencadeado para o político, tanto pela produção de novos espaços, quanto pela subversão da ordem espacial preestabelecida, assim como pela constituição de uma esfera pública. Conclui-se que os trabalhos artísticos de Renata Lucas contêm muito do estranhamento, da incerteza, da fragmentação, da irrupção. Portanto, desvelar as camadas dos trabalhos da artista possibilita também desvelar camadas subjetivas, não aparentes, aflorar a emergência da "situação na qual estamos imersos". Inferiu-se, com isso, que o trabalho de Renata Lucas concretiza-se na oscilação entre o intrincamento e a fissura, o imiscuir-se e o friccionar / Abstract: The purpose of the thesis "Renata Lucas and the public spaces: intricacy and fissure" is to discuss the collection of the artist¿s works that configure as installations and interventions of space, with emphasis on interventions of the public space. It is assumed that such works consist of specific intricacy of the space with which they deal, and of their configurations as to their political potential. Thus, the objective of the study results from the relationship that the artistic work establishes with the space, whether in its physicalness or its discursiveness. The analysis of the collective works of Renata Lucas, produced between 2001 and 2013, is based on theories in diverse areas (philosophy, anthropology, history, and, fundamentally, on theories in the field of art). By means of distinct interpretations, the aime was to highlight the poetical aspects of the artist: the corporal perception of the spectator/participant in the space; the possibility of interrupting socialities; the attempt to create a friction with the space through the alteration of pre-organized representational codes. An investigation was conducted of the problematics resulting from the intervention in the pre-organized space that permit new interpretations and perceptions. An attempt was also made to defend the political potential of Renata Lucas¿ works as contained in the latent state, in the sense of a potential to be released in its political aspect, as much through the production of new spaces as to the subversion of pre-established spacial order, as well as for the constitution of a public sphere. It is concluded that the artistic works of Renata Lucas contain much of the surprise, the uncertainty, the fragmentation, the irruption. Therefore, uncover the layers of the artist¿s works enables us also to reveal subjective layers, not apparent, to treat the emergence of the "situation in which we are immersed". It is inferred, as such, that the work of Renata Lucas is concentrated on the oscillation between intricacy and fissure, intromission and friction / Doutorado / Artes Visuais / Doutora em Artes Visuais

This mini-thesis is a supporting document to the exhibition titled via: a phenomenological site-specific series of intermedia interventions and installations at the 1820 Settlers National Monument in Grahamstown. This mini-thesis examines ways in which one negotiates the movement of the self and interactions with others within the non-place. Non-places are ‘habitually transient’ spaces for passage, communication and consumption, often viewed from highways, vehicles, hotels, petrol stations, airports and supermarkets. Characteristic of these generic and somewhat homogenous spaces is the paradox of material excess and concurrent psychological lack where a feeling of disorientation and disconnection is established due to the excesses of Supermodernity: excess of the individual, time and space. The non-place is a contested space as it does not hold enough significance to be regarded as a place and yet, despite its banality, is necessary – and in many ways a privilege – in everyday living. I explore the concept of non-places in relation to the intricate notions of space and place, and draw on empirical research as a means to interrogate how one perceives the phenomenological qualities of one’s surroundings. I discuss the implications of the multiplication of the non-place in relation to globalisation, time–space compression, site-specific art and absentmindedness, as theoretical themes which underpin the practical component of my research. In addition, I situate my artistic practice in relation to other contemporary artists dealing with the non-place as a theme, and critically engage with the multi-disciplinary and sensory installations and video pieces of Belgian artist Hans Op de Beeck.

The dissertation explores how quality-judgments on works of art are created within the contemporary art world. The research starts with the examination of modernist art theories supported by the museum, and continues with the exploration of the impact of the art market on quality-judgments. Although the art market had already distorted the idea of quality, further contradictions and difficulties have risen within judgment-making after the 1960s due to the dematerialisation of the work of art. Art criticism should have been able to deal with this complexity, but it is demonstrated that art criticism is a subjective field and even if there is a universal theory on quality, it often fails when applied to the particular work of art. Throughout the dissertation it is demonstrated that although ‘good art’ is a subjective, power- and discourse-dependent concept, all art professionals seek something that is an inherent quality of the artwork. However, regardless of the existence of such inherent value, judgments on quality are constructed by and subjected to power-struggle. / Art History, Visual Arts & Musicology / M.A. (Art History)

Maori art forms are replete with symbolism entrenched in Maori cosmogony, as well as with political issues arising from the relationship of colonizer to colonized. This interdisciplinary project examined the core symbols, issues and stories present in Maori traditional and contemporary art and dance to determine the way in which the content present in these art forms acts as an active agent in the formation and perpetuation of Maori cultural identity in New Zealand. A secondary aim of the project was to examine the relationship of Maori to the greater Aotearoa/New Zealand culture thereby identifying common and contrasting themes and issues present within both cultures. Aotearoa/New Zealand is unique in that the indigenous society has equal rights with the British, now New Zealanders, who colonized them and, through the arts, Maori have gained tremendous ground in becoming a vital partner in the ongoing creation of New Zealand's cultural identity. One of the central issues that repeatedly appeared in all the art forms analyzed was the push and pull that exists for Maori struggling to retain a Maori identity and compete in the non-Maori world. Identity for Aotearoa/New Zealand Maori and Pakeha, or non-Maori, alike is created in response to, in conflict with, in tandem with, and in spite of their respective cultures, thus creating yet another aspect of push and pull dynamics in New Zealand. / Within the context of dance ethnology and visuals arts methodologies several methods were employed including: archival reviews; in situ examination and visual analysis of the meaning and value of these Maori art forms; information exchange sessions, which have been presented individually within the text, with Maori elders, educators, traditional and contemporary choreographers and performers, traditional and contemporary visual artists, and other knowledgeable individuals; the identification of recurrent themes and symbolism, which provide the basis for the synthesis of the information collected. The project involved nine years of research prior to a two-month in situ examination of Maori art, dance and culture. / by Cynthia Louise Zaitz. / Vita. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2009. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2009. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Scenario House, a gallery based installation, is comprised of a room constructed as a ???family room??? within a domestic space, a television with a looped video work and a sound componant played through a 5.1 sound system. The paper is intended to give my work context in relation to the processes leading up to its completion. This is achieved through clarification of the basis for the installation including previous socio-political discourses within my art practice. It then focuses on ways that the installation Scenario House is based on gun practice facilities such as the Valhalla Shooting Club. Further it gives an explanation of the actual production, in context with other art practices. It was found that distinctions between ???war as a game??? and the actual event are being lost within ???simulation revenge scenarios??? where the borders distinguishing gaming violence, television violence and revenge scenarios are increasingly indefinable. War can then be viewed a spectacle where the actual event is lost in a simplified simulation. Scenario House as installation allows audience immersion through sound spatialisation and physical devices. Sound is achieved by design of a 5.1 system played through a domestic home theatre system. The physical design incorporates the dual aspect of a gun shooting club and a lounge room. Further a film loop is shown on the television monitor as part of the domestic space ??? it is non-narrative and semi-documentary in style. The film loop represents the mediation of the representation of fear where there is an exclusion of ???the other??? from the social body. When considering this installation it is important to note that politics and art need not be considered as representing two separate and permanent realities. Conversely there is a need to distance politicised art production from any direct political campaign work in so far as the notion of a campaign constitutes a fixed and inflexible space for intellectual and cultural production. Finally this paper expresses the need to maintain a critical openness to media cultures that dominate political discourse. Art practices such as those of Martha Rosler, Haacke and Paul McCarthy are presented as effective strategies for this form of production.

Scenario House, a gallery based installation, is comprised of a room constructed as a ???family room??? within a domestic space, a television with a looped video work and a sound componant played through a 5.1 sound system. The paper is intended to give my work context in relation to the processes leading up to its completion. This is achieved through clarification of the basis for the installation including previous socio-political discourses within my art practice. It then focuses on ways that the installation Scenario House is based on gun practice facilities such as the Valhalla Shooting Club. Further it gives an explanation of the actual production, in context with other art practices. It was found that distinctions between ???war as a game??? and the actual event are being lost within ???simulation revenge scenarios??? where the borders distinguishing gaming violence, television violence and revenge scenarios are increasingly indefinable. War can then be viewed a spectacle where the actual event is lost in a simplified simulation. Scenario House as installation allows audience immersion through sound spatialisation and physical devices. Sound is achieved by design of a 5.1 system played through a domestic home theatre system. The physical design incorporates the dual aspect of a gun shooting club and a lounge room. Further a film loop is shown on the television monitor as part of the domestic space ??? it is non-narrative and semi-documentary in style. The film loop represents the mediation of the representation of fear where there is an exclusion of ???the other??? from the social body. When considering this installation it is important to note that politics and art need not be considered as representing two separate and permanent realities. Conversely there is a need to distance politicised art production from any direct political campaign work in so far as the notion of a campaign constitutes a fixed and inflexible space for intellectual and cultural production. Finally this paper expresses the need to maintain a critical openness to media cultures that dominate political discourse. Art practices such as those of Martha Rosler, Haacke and Paul McCarthy are presented as effective strategies for this form of production.