The Vital Ambiguity of Surface: Culturally Determined Notions of Metaphor and Performance in Contemporary Building Material

Author

Christopher T. Campbell, Washington University in St. LouisFollow

Abstract

This thesis investigates the systems and information decipherable within a material surface; more specifically, those ideas of value, performance, and function we may infer from the surface of contemporary building materials. When these materials are reduced to their flattened image, the cosmetic facade of a surface has the capacity to inform as well as deceive. Additionally, we may see in materials outward properties, such as color or tactility, the capacity for metaphor and the application of a symbolic personhood. This thesis seeks to comprehend the ways in which these expectations become fodder for complication and paradox, and promote a perceptual mutability.

Committee Chair

Buzz Spector

Committee Members

Buzz Spector

Comments

Permanent URL: https://doi.org/10.7936/K7V40SG5

Degree

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Art

Author's Department

Graduate School of Art

Author's School

Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

Spring 5-20-2016

Language

English (en)

Recommended Citation

Campbell, Christopher T., "The Vital Ambiguity of Surface: Culturally Determined Notions of Metaphor and Performance in Contemporary Building Material" (2016). Graduate School of Art Theses. ETD 57.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.7936/K7V40SG5