Honors College Theses

Publication Date

2023

Major

Art (B.A.)

Document Type and Release Option

Thesis (open access)

Faculty Mentor

Melissa Huang

Abstract

Dependent upon the constructs of the perception of self and the viewpoint of others, humans base the value of their self esteem on outer perspectives rather than internal ones. For this thesis in particular, the outer perspective to be examined is representation in the field of the arts. This thesis project explores the process of self esteem, artistic representation in the arts, how one affects the other, a history of the correlation between the two, and ways to inform and educate the masses with the tools necessary to advance representation in the arts thus raising the self esteem of its viewers. Using the method of a victimologist’s approach to the rediscovery of crime victims to rediscover the previous and current victims of art erasure, this thesis will raise both public consciousness to the problem at hand as well as evaluate how it has affected or currently affecting the public's self esteem via representation in the arts.

Thesis Summary

The intent of this thesis is to not only answer the questions of "Where are the individuals that existed throughout time that do not fit the ever shifting social standards of beauty?" and "Where are the works of art that show those outside of these standards and how does this lack of representation correlate to the audience’s own image of self worth and self esteem?" but to raise public consciousness by using the method of a victimologist’s approach to the rediscovery of crime victims to rediscover the previous and current victims of art erasure. The steps of this process proceed as follows; calling attention to an overlooked problem, win victories and implement reforms, considering the resistance to changes being made, and finally a research and evidence based resolution to the disputes/resistance to change.

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