Art History

On a personal level I have a very strong interest in both art history and art theory. I attempt to read what I can, when I can, and it informs my personal practice on several levels. 
Below are the abstracts from my MA and BA.

M.A. in the History of Art and Architecture

An Exploration of the Links between Ireland and the Orient and their Role in the Defining of a National Identity

Abstract

The identity of the Other within the western European social order, defines itself in opposition of the white, male entity. Peoples of different race, colour and culture, and of the female gender, even within the European locale, were perceived as very different and distinct from the male, westernised template of civilisation. The acknowledgement of the theoretical concept of Otherness is important for this investigation as it creates an agenda and helps to define the perimeters for the discussion of numerous aspects of this discourse. Before embarking upon this study, endeavouring to delineate a more encompassing sense of Orientalism and its role within this particular dissertation is necessary. A general overview will be presented in order to ascertain what is meant by the Other in relation to the chosen themes of research, and the then emerging recognition of Self, in relation to the phenomena of, and, various distinctions of cultural diversity.

The intent of this discussion is to unravel some of the numerous issues associated with the debate of the Other in the nineteenth century, Western European society. Examining ideas of race, nation and gender within this context, links, associations and contrasting contradictions will be explored in reference to the Oriental, the Irish and the Female in both these societies, as seen from the European perspective. Visual narratives, both high and low art forms, will be utilised to create an analysis of these topics in relation to visual art. Utilising the position of the European to define an appreciation or explanation of Other in reference to the Irish and the Orient. In turn the Irish perspective of the Orient also defines it as Other. Ireland’s position is unique, as it reflects both a definition and a defining position of the outsider within this context.

In Partial Fulfilment of the H.E.T.A.C. Degree in Fine Art

The Cultural Purpose and Validity of Postmodernism in Contemporary Visual Arts

Abstract

Summarised visual art constructs have been periodically appropriated and corrupted by postmodernism, which allows the filtering and recycling of all histories, past genres and styles. The active encouragement of the interbreeding and deconstruction of restrictive boundaries between all elements of visual art, allow previously inconceivable links to be constructed. These associates separate phenomenon within an atmosphere or matrix, readily accommodating differences and resistance. The classic and modernist hierarchy becomes deconstructed. “High Art” is interfused with alien media phenomena which were disclaimed as “Low Art”. High art iconography is placed in equal status within a framework that contains Low art, the contemporary society media-images and artefacts which pertain to society and culture from an everyman perspective. The interaction of numerous reactionary elements create parodic and unconvential juxtapositions within art and question supposed elemental importance.

The ironic acknowledgement of art history and deliberate denial of originality places everything into an indefinable vortex, which can exist within numerous uncatagorisible levels of understanding. The links and differences between physical visual art and conceptual art theory, and its position within wider culture, deny any classification of definition. The inadequate term “postmodern” is the label applied to phenomena which defies all previous discourse.

This discourse resolves to discuss the validity of postmodernism within the visual arts. The question, how can an ambiguous concept exist but defy all definition. Through analysis of postmodernism in the visual arts and contemporary art theory, the concept will be considered and attempts will be made to extract a core meaning and the aesthetic visual purpose of these phenomena.