Abstract

My MFA thesis show, After the Last Picture Show, depicted my inquiry into what pictures and images are today. In this thesis, starting from the formalist tradition of fine art photography, I deconstruct photography into elements based on the classical dichotomy of form and content and discuss how the photographic image has dislodged itself from its material base. Subsequently, I question the objective of art in an age in which images are information, and in which information is instantly exchanged. I use authenticity as the guiding light in my art and attempt to confront the doubts that linger in our simulation-based society.

Further, I start an inquiry into the relationship between the computer and art. I attempt to provide an observation of the computer in terms of itself as opposed to the more frequent approach of analyzing it as a medium to simulate exisiting tools. I argue that the essence of the computer is abstract, and I describe the conflict between this abstract nature of the computer and the physicality that art demands.

Finally, I conclude by describing what I think of authenticity with regards to art.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Authenticity (Philosophy); Photography, Artistic--History and criticism; Object (Aesthetics); Art and technology; Computers

Publication Date

2-22-2005

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Imaging Arts (MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

School of Photographic Arts and Sciences (CIAS)

Advisor

Jeff Weiss

Advisor/Committee Member

Jessica Lieberman

Advisor/Committee Member

Alexander Miokovic

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at B105.A8 M49 2005

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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