Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
Painting and Printmaking
First Advisor
Holly J. Morrison
Second Advisor
Hilary Wilder
Third Advisor
Cara Benedetto
Abstract
This written thesis is a companion to my MFA thesis exhibition, shown at the VCU Anderson Gallery between April 5th and April 19th, 2024, under the title There Was a Man of Double Deed. I will discuss my work through two main trajectories: one, the conceptual framework that nourishes my artistic process – Jewish thought, traditions, and texts; Western philosophy and psychology; literature; Israeli art; and my own familial and private background. The second trajectory is an analysis of my work – its materiality, symbols, allusions, and modes of making – through surveying different pieces featured in my thesis exhibition.
The thesis is divided into five parts: (1) a preface providing intimate context; (2) an introduction to Jewish mysticism; (3) a review of theories of mind, individuation, and otherness; (4) an introduction to Israeli art; (5) a review of my thesis exhibition. As the thesis refers to many Jewish texts originally written in Hebrew, I took the liberty to translate some excerpts to English, hoping it allows the readers to familiarize themselves with the topics discussed.
Using Kabbalist symbols, poetic allusions, and historical references, I investigate how objects and structures – physical or imagined – that hold different lineages and mythologies can coincide to illuminate a certain aspect of the human condition. The material realization of my conceptual framework is through painting, sculpture and video. Using collage and assemblage, I seek moments where a newly formed composition reflects a personal, inner urgency for compatibility.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-4-2024
Included in
Biblical Studies Commons, Buddhist Studies Commons, Child Psychology Commons, Cognition and Perception Commons, Contemporary Art Commons, Continental Philosophy Commons, Ethics and Political Philosophy Commons, Fine Arts Commons, History of Religion Commons, History of Religions of Eastern Origins Commons, Holocaust and Genocide Studies Commons, Intellectual History Commons, Jewish Studies Commons, Liturgy and Worship Commons, Modern Art and Architecture Commons, Other History Commons, Painting Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons, Sculpture Commons, Theory and Philosophy Commons