First Advisor

Stewart, Connie

Second Advisor

Goodwin, Donna

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Document Type

Action Research Project

Date Created

8-2018

Department

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

Embargo Date

7-19-2018

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

Local Identifiers

YontsARP2018

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

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