Term of Award
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
Document Type and Release Option
Thesis (open access)
Copyright Statement / License for Reuse
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Department
Department of Art
Committee Chair
Jeff P. Garland
Committee Member 1
Elsie Howington
Committee Member 2
Dr. Jason Hoelscher
Abstract
My work is rooted in the biblical definition of faith: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Like the Bible’s layered complexity—its patterns, metaphors, and cultural references—faith is not merely intellectual but an active trust in what is unseen. It transcends knowledge, anchoring itself in conviction and hope. This intersection of theology and lived experience is at the core of my practice.
Theopoetics—a framework that fuses theology and artistic expression—shapes my approach, allowing faith to be embodied through form rather than merely explained. Two seemingly distinct bodies of work—one centered on Cuba, the other on biblical themes—converge through a pivotal piece reflecting on my mother’s recent passing. This work acts as a bridge between personal narrative, theology, and art. The Cuba series, while rooted in personal and historical reflection, also reveals scripture’s practical presence in daily life, demonstrating faith’s endurance across shifting landscapes. Through my art, I explore the Bible not as a distant, ancient text but as a deeply relevant and intricately woven guide for life, uniting history, memory, and spirituality in a visual dialogue.
Recommended Citation
Aleman, E. (2025). Theopoetic Prothesis: A mixed-media exploration of faith, migration, and memory (Master’s thesis). Georgia Southern University.
Research Data and Supplementary Material
No
Included in
Art Practice Commons, Biblical Studies Commons, Christianity Commons, Contemporary Art Commons, Fine Arts Commons, Interdisciplinary Arts and Media Commons, Language Interpretation and Translation Commons, Latina/o Studies Commons, Modern Art and Architecture Commons, Painting Commons, Practical Theology Commons, Printmaking Commons, Religious Education Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons, Sculpture Commons
