Date of Award

Spring 5-2021

Author's School

Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts

Author Department/Program

Graduate School of Art

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Art

Degree Type

Thesis

Abstract

As a multidisciplinary artist, I draw attention to our disconnect from the natural world. My work seeks to restore that connection through movement and sound. In this thesis, I discuss how I use movement and sound to create affective experiences that sensitize viewers to the world around them. The camera is my primary artistic tool. I take on the role of director, cinematographer, editor, choreographer, performer, and soundtrack composer to create my video art. Through my work, I transform the ordinary spaces we inhabit into theatrical settings for storytelling, intertwining the familiar with the uncanny.

Nature is one of my primary sources of inspiration. The concept of “nature” has been widely debated over the years by philosophers and scientists alike. Still, humans continue to feed the delusion that they reign over the natural world. I align my understanding of nature with ecologists and biologists such as Rachel Carson. The idea that humans can control nature is dangerous. The idea that humans can exist separate from nature is equally dangerous. My work calls attention to our disconnect from the natural environment and gently reminds us, myself included, that we are part of a world that exists beyond walls and screens.

Language

English (en)

Program Director

Lisa Bulawsky

Program Director's Department

Graduate School of Art

Thesis Advisor

Monika Weiss

Studio/Primary Advisor

Patricia Olynyk

Studio/Primary Advisor

Richard Krueger

Committee Member

Monika Weiss

Committee Member

Monika Weiss

Artist's Statement

http://alexavelezart.com

Download

Share

COinS