Date Created

8-2018

Embargo Date

7-19-2018

Document Type

Action Research Project

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

College of Performing and Visual Arts, Art and Design, Art and Design Student Work

First Advisor

Stewart, Connie

Second Advisor

Goodwin, Donna

Abstract

This is an arts-based research project using Rita Irwin’s A/R/Tography methodology to explore kitsch tolerance within an academically educated populace and defend kitsch as a valid contemporary art form. Through the creation of a body of artwork, survey, and conversations with the target demographic, this researcher attempted to puzzle out the relationship between kitsch and academically educated people, a group traditionally not associated with kitsch. I created a body of artwork in an attempt to blur the lines between high and low art using techniques, materials, and subject matter, particularly using a lens of beauty, from both categories to see how the aforementioned artwork would be rated in a survey geared toward the academically educated. I found that academically educated people have a varying tolerance for certain kitsch items as well as varying opinions about what makes something kitsch and not kitsch. Ultimately, I discovered several contradictions within the opinions of the survey takers whereby personal connection and emotional impact were rated very high as a motivator for beauty ratings, but not seen as an indicator of kitsch. Indeed, a modern definition of kitsch is ever elusive, and the pursuit of it was very informative of my artistic and teaching practices.

Keywords

Arts-based research, Kitsch

Extent

75 pages

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

Digital Origin

Born digital

Download

Share

COinS