DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/P8EM-AM74
Defense Date
2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
Painting and Printmaking
First Advisor
Hilary Wilder
Second Advisor
Hope Ginsburg
Third Advisor
Caitlin Cherry
Fourth Advisor
Orla McHardy
Abstract
My work examines the lasting psychological and emotional torment of trauma focusing on sexual violence against women. My thesis consists of five short animated films recounting non-fiction experiences of sexual assault. To contextualize my work within cultural and historical representations of sexual violence, this text reflects my research on the mishandling of rape in Western art history as well as contemporary politics and cinema. In both my work and research, I address the complicated, and often contradictory, internal reality of experiencing and remembering trauma and how this relates to artistic strategies such as collage and maximalism. My personal struggles recovering from sexual abuse are woven throughout this research to illuminate specific choices made in my work, such as the use of animation and playful aesthetics.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-18-2020
Included in
Art and Design Commons, Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Commons, Film and Media Studies Commons, History of Art, Architecture, and Archaeology Commons
Comments
NOTE TO THE READER: Sexual assault does not only happen to one gender; it happens to people of many identities and from many backgrounds. Violence is a theme in my art practice because it has been a theme in my life and in my life, sexual assault has been exclusively gendered. For this reason, my work and research focus on the specific and prevalent power dynamic of men sexually abusing women and how this behavior is continually perpetuated.