Although there is an expectation for dramatic improvement as far as the senior thesis is concerned, I found the first critique to be both lacking and unhelpful this early in the semester. While I can confidently say that there is a improvement in my quality of work and more of a focus on the direction of my thesis, I don't believe I have had adequate time to produce the work to properly convey my ideas.
I was able to talk through my concept, which was a big release because it forced me to put into words the direction I am going. Masculinity is still the core of my thesis. I want to complicate it, use elements of queer culture and non-normative masculine display in order to articulate and create a space within art for masculinity that falls between hyper-masculine, machismo and drag, camp and kitsch. I am not trying to create kitsch. Unfortunately, I did not feel as though the giant penis I am painting is able to be read as something other than comedic at the current moment (it is the first piece to an installation i am working on for thesis). That said, I do not feel as though critiques are effective from my peers. Either I have had class with them already, they are disturbed by my work or they cant look past the fact that i am a faggot (i prefer faggot to homosexual, it is more aggressive and less clinical sounding). I do understand that most students are not interested in queer culture, but I would appreciate some feedback other than "the colors are nice" ask me questions, I would love to educate and help me make a clearer statement. If you do not understand my work, ask me, i would be glad to answer and address issues of clarity in future pieces.
To be fair, I do believe I talked to much during my critique to let anyone interject. I did learn that my work is provocative on the plus size, as a negative, it reads as more comical and less serious, please help and give suggestions.
I am interested in the double meaning of language, particularly the language of representation.
abstract vs representational painting
"straight' masculinity vs "gay" masculinity
feminism
deconstructing painting/essential elements of painting
A FUCKING REALITY CHECK, SERIOUSLY WAY TO FULL OF MYSELF, now is your chance to give me a piece of your mind :P
look forward to comments!
