Six notable theses by Herron's newest art history graduates

Wednesday, May 05, 2021

Every year, Herron hosts "Look/See," an annual event that celebrates students completing B.A., BAE, BFA, M.A., and MFA degrees. It was converted to an online format in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we intend to do so again, along with other virtual offerings.

We will also publish a series of stories this month about students whose creative practices include research, teaching, and clinical approaches.

Our first story gives you a sneak peek at the thesis topics of four graduating art history students, as well as two students who graduated in December. Their papers will be made available through the IUPUI ScholarWorks Repository later this summer.

Selfie of Kayla Bailey. Courtesy of Kayla Bailey.

Kayla Bailey
Tucson, Arizona
B.A. Art History '21

"The Self in Relation ot the World: How Yayoi Kusama Instigates Existentialism"

My thesis paper uncovers and analyzes how Yayoi Kusama's art engages the world by exploring her body of work, from her "Net Painting" series to her "Infinity Room" series. Kusama, as an artist, is consistently imploring viewers to relinquish their ego and accept "being one polka dot among a million stars in the cosmos."

With the increase in museum interactivity, Kusama's art, with its message of democratization and self-obliteration, appears to anticipate these values. Kusama's art, on the other hand, is complicated by this global digitized society and the world's growing selfie-culture.

Kyle Kingen
Columbus, Indiana
B.A. Art History '20

"The State of Postmodern Architecture: Preserving for the Future or Erasing the Past?"

Postmodern architecture has been threatened with demolition, heavily renovated, or left to deteriorate. The destruction of these structures may result in the loss of an architectural era, leaving a significant gap in the historical timeline. My thesis paper looks at three buildings and their various stages of preservation (or lack thereof):

the Portland Building in Portland, Oregon, 550 Madison Avenue in New York, New York, and the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago, Illinois. I also assess current preservation methods and how they can be refined or improved in order to focus on protecting these buildings as historic sites.

Selfie of Rachel Meyer. Courtesy of Rachel Meyer.

Rachel Meyer
Fishers, Indiana
B.A. Art History '21

"The Evolution of Gothic Architecture in England"

Architecture is an essential component of society and culture. We are discovering the significance of certain architectural styles by delving into the architectural past. My thesis paper delves into the architectural history of the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, contrasting their two distinct but connected styles, Gothic and Gothic Revival.

The history of both structures is critical to the comparison of styles because it provides insight into the cultural context in which they were built. Their differences point to shifts in values, but they also share similarities in how both structures represent religion, power, and the English monarchy. Gothic architecture would not be what it is today or have influenced so many other styles if it had not evolved through different styles.

Selfie of Jocelyn Paul. Courtesy of Jocelyn Paul.

Jocelyn Paul
Indianapolis, Indiana
B.A. Art History '21

"Joel-Peter Witkin: Confronting Mortality"

Joel-Peter Witkin became well-known for his controversial use of corpses in his photographs. To better understand the intense imagery used in his artwork, my thesis paper looks beyond the initial shock of the corpse and analyzes how the photos explore mortality through the philosophy of the abject in three photographs: "Still Life, Marseilles," "Glassman," and "John Herring as Flora Photographed with his Lover and Mother."

While macabre in nature, Witkin's photographs explore mortality and catharsis in a beautiful way.

Portrait of Samantha Schlegel. Courtesy of Samantha Schlegel.

Samantha Schlegel
Bloomington, Indiana
B.A. Art History '20

"The History and Sexual Demeanor of Cleopatra VII"

Many consider Cleopatra to be a seductive woman, but the mark this pharaoh queen left on history reveals her true self. In ancient times, women were considered the property of men and had no rights. Cleopatra, as a woman, defied not only all odds but also the stereotypical woman to ascend to the Egyptian throne. She became a symbol of independence and strength.

My paper delves deeper into Cleopatra's life and the demeaning visual and verbal depictions of her after her death. Her development and education as a child, her rise to power, her reign as a pharaoh queen, her fall from power, what brought her down from the throne, and how she has been portrayed since her untimely death are all covered. Cleopatra VII remains an icon in our history, cinematic universe, and more.

Selfie of Hollian Whalen. Courtesy of Hollian Whalen.

Hollian Whalen
Indianapolis, Indiana
B.A. Art History '21

"The Disturbingly 'Natural' World of Patricia Piccinini"

Patricia Piccinini is one of a growing number of artists tackling the increasingly relevant topic of biotechnology. Piccinini, in particular, uses the medium of sculpture to spark discussion about the ethics of genetic engineering for human consumption, the consumerist value of aesthetics in science, and the growing potential for technology to become one with nature.

My essay is a visual analysis of three of Patricia Piccinini's anthropomorphic silicone sculptures: "The Young Family," "The Welcome Guest," and "The Couple." In it, I interpret the significance of these politically, socially, and scientifically charged artworks. These sculptures demonstrate how art can be used to help frame questions about humanity's relationship to the natural world in the face of technological and scientific advancement.

Herron School of Art + Design

Six notable theses by Herron's newest art history graduates

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