Date of Award
Spring 5-19-2016
Degree Name
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Restricted/Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Abstract
This statement is an analysis of my process in creating a zeitgeist collection of painted portraits. The pieces in this collection began with a live, in-person session with each of my subjects, all of whom are my friends: females ages 18-22 at Wash.U. An interest in the brain and mirror neurons, as well as Susan Stewart’s idea that the face is a “text” that must be read in order to exist, is what enabled these portraits to become a psychological examination of the spirit of our time. The material process of collapsing layers of time, emotions, and thoughts on the canvas was influenced by contemporary and modern portraitists like Alice Neel. The effects of technology on these identities, and the value of a physical, face-to-face presence is examined through my interpretation of the painted zeitgeist figures.
Recommended Citation
Leventhal, Danielle, "Zeitgeist: An Artist's Present Perspective" (2016). Bachelor of Fine Arts Senior Papers. 12.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/bfa/12