Thesis proposal

PROJECT PROPOSAL:

Working Project Title: Generation of Warriors

Medium: Mixed media, installed

Intended Audience: General public, gallery audience.

Short Summary: An exploration of the sociopolitical climate surrounding the events of the American Occupation/ Intervention of the Mid East.

Summary: The thesis “Generation of Warriors” is intended to comment on the conflicts that entire generations have now been defined by, all stemming from the need to secure interests of their motherland. These conflicts have not only influenced those who have fought, but everyone in very large ways. The socio-political climate that is currently brewing is one of volatility and distrust. Brought upon by stemming issues of colonialism throughout the Middle East, the United States has ushered in a time of recession, scandal, and loss, which has never been seen. The body of work will consist of 5+ individual installations utilizing imagery from not only the conflicts, but from those who have been instrumental in steering our society towards where it is currently. The installations will be sound/video based and use concepts of appropriation relating to combat, protest, government, and revolution along with other concepts. The pieces will be installed in a gallery in a manner of which they can comment on each other while still keeping their vices intact. The exhibit will also be accompanied with a donation opportunity to help support veterans and families of fallen soldiers. This opportunity would allow the exhibit to not only have a commentary, but also have a wider spanning impact, as well as be able to give viewers to interact even further .

Goals:

Conceptual: Using current media sources, the installations comment on the nature of how information is transmitted and the news media affects it. The digital nature of the conflicts we enter comment on how we deal with them and their lasting effects

Historical: The body of work will reference events surrounding 9/11 and how they have extenuated into current times. Historical reference to earlier aspects of political process may be present, although more emphasis is on more current political and social climates.

Cultural: The series references post colonialism as discussed by Edward Said. It also comments on current media culture and how it is used to promote and tell about the current conflicts and the politics that surround them.

Tech. Pursuits: Through the completion of the series, I will improve my craft as well as learn how working with and installing in a gallery is in the “real world”

RESEARCH PROPOSAL:

Topic: Diving deeper into post colonial issues surrounding Current Conflict in the Middle East

Significance to Thesis: The lasting effects of colonialism tie integrally into the subjects within my art, from the West’s idea of the Mid East as well as the underlying causes for our continuing interventions. Studying those who are striving to break the holds that colonialism holds on our culture will give me insight into the issues I’m making art on.

Definition of research: Within learning more about the surrounding circumstances of the conflicts being explored, I will effectively make art in the subject. Topics like Colonialism, politics, and philosophy on conflict will aide in the art making of the thesis process as well as educate in able to facilitate intelligent conversation around the work.

Research Methods:

Fieldwork: Investigate protests, political rallys of the next year

Written Materials: Zizek, Said,

Screenings: Mur, The Oath

Interviews: Veterens, those participating in movements

Already referenced : Chris Hedges, Evan Wright, Zizek, Said, Persepolis