Date of Award
Spring 6-3-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Department
Printmaking
First Advisor
Cornelia McSheehy
Second Advisor
Andrew Raftery
Third Advisor
Nicholas Cladis
Abstract
This body of work examines the involvement of association as it relates to our cultural interpretations of natural phenomena. Flowers and animals, both real and imagined, have been used as symbols for human morality since the beginning of human history. Two sources with which I drew inspiration from are medieval bestiaries and the Victorian practice of flower language. By combining elements from these references, I aim to pair this idea about the human need for classification with my own considerations about my identity. In combination, I also aim to highlight the responsibility that is intrinsic to curiosity. When faced with a mystery or something that does not give its information freely, what impulse will follow a desire for knowledge? In what way and through which criteria will something find itself classified? In what way does a flower become good or evil?
Recommended Citation
Wilson, Riley, "A Presence of P____ and W__th" (2023). Masters Theses. 1100.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/1100
16" x 20"
Leviathan, which I have made as I have made you.jpg (547 kB)
My peace I give unto you.jpg (462 kB)
Myroblyte.jpg (529 kB)
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Included in
Book and Paper Commons, Dutch Studies Commons, Fine Arts Commons, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies Commons, Medieval History Commons, Medieval Studies Commons, Painting Commons, Poetry Commons, Printmaking Commons, Reading and Language Commons
Comments
View exhibition online: Riley Wilson, A Presence of P____ and W__th