Thesis (M.Ed.)--Kutztown State College, 1962. / Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 45-06, page: 2748. Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaf 26)

Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Masters of Technology in Fine Art Degree, Durban University of Technology, 2017. / The aim of this research is to investigate the exploration of transience in the work of selected artists. This study used qualitative, practice-led research methodology. This research is practice-led as my art making plays an integral part in guiding my research. Process philosophy provides the theoretical underpinning and contextual framework for this dissertation. I focus on both contemporary artists and philosophers who explore the notion of transience. As my selected artists and I use paper as a predominant medium, I look at how paper is an ideal choice of material through which to explore themes of transience. The selected artists that I investigate include Peter Callesen (1967-), Mia Pearlman (1974-), Jodi Carey (1981-) and myself. Through this research I have found that artists expressed similar sentiments to that of process philosophers centuries before these theories existed, and continue to do so today. This validates transience as a relevant form of visual enquiry. Through the exploration of transience by contemporary thinkers and the selected artists, I briefly examine the scope of interpretations and possible meanings of transience. The investigation into paper as an art medium supports its appropriateness as a means to explore themes of transience. The exploration of the selected artists’ work highlights the various aspects of transience as a concept based on both subject matter and medium. This research resulted in a body of work, exhibited in partial fulfilment of the Master of Technology Degree in Fine Art. / M

There is an in-between space during the act of seeing. The in-between space lies on the spectrum of the reality in front of us and what our brain tells us. It is within this suspended moment an individual can experience an unaltered and unaffected vision. While this moment is fleeting, it defines the highest peak of personal experience. It is my belief no two people will ever experience the same vision during this suspended time. And after it passes, the sigh/vision can never be the same. We are constantly bearing witness to the inexpressive, and this fleeting moment is something in which we should all revel.

This practice-led research was initiated in response to a series of violent encounters that occurred between my fragile installations and viewers. The central focus of this study was to recuperate my installation practice in the wake of such events. This led to the development of a ‘responsive practice’ methodology, which reframed the installation process through an ethical lens developed from Emmanuel Levinas’ ethical phenomenology. The central propositions of this research are the reconceptualisation of ‘violent encounters’ in terms of difference whereby I accept viewers responses, even those which are violent, destructive or damaging, and secondly that the process operates as a generative excess for practice through which recuperative strategies can be found and implemented. By re-examining this process as it unfolded in the three phases of the practical component, I developed strategies whereby violated, destroyed or damaged works could be recuperated through the processes of reconfiguration, reparation and regeneration. Therefore my installations embody and articulate vulnerability but also demonstrate resilience and renewal.

When it comes to ritual ceremonies like Qing Ming, Chong Yang, Yu Lan, one will see all kinds of fascinating ritual paper offerings, ranging from the traditional to fashionable-living necessities, even though the recipients are dead. The types of ritual paper offerings can be categorized into paper materials (joss paper), bamboo-paper objects (traditional crafts), and non-bamboo framed objects (contemporary crafts). Though the life of these ritual paper objects is very short, because they are burned soon after they are made, they are designed and crafted in a very unique way. The topic of ritual paper objects is a very interesting one; however, it has hitherto received little scholarly attention from a heritage conservation perspective. It is found that a large body of literature mentions ritual paper objects in the context of the funeral ceremony. Building on the existing studies, this dissertation will demonstrate and recognize the cultural significance of the art and craft of bamboo-paper objects in Chinese culture with reference to the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003), and thereby suggest ways for safeguarding this traditional craftsmanship. / published_or_final_version / Conservation / Master / Master of Science in Conservation