I am interested in how the art world functions. I see the art world functioning as a complex system parallel to the actual art object. The various components that comprise this system are statements, resumes, reviews, shows, and, names; names of works, names of galleries, names of museums, and most importantly the name of the artist. These components of the system are given equal, if not greater importance than the art itself and can be traced throughout the modern era to today. It struck me that although change in art depends on deviation from the norm, the components of this system out of which art operates has remained consistent from its advent. I addressed viewpoints on this complex system within the art world, by creating three distinct artist personas. The creation of these personas would include everything that denotes an emerging or mid-career artist. In terms of art and art history, the cult of personality is the transformation of the artist’s personality into a cultural commodity, such as a Pollock, a Warhol, or a Koons. By creating personas I detached my name from the artwork while simultaneously drawing attention to the artist’s personality as cultural commodity. Statements, resumes, reviews, shows and portfolios were also created to fit each artist’s personality. These address the importance that is placed on those elements that accompany the art object. Furthermore, constructing three distinct personas addressed the discrepancy between how the art world is viewed as pluralistic and the stylistic confinement artists’ adopt within that world. My thesis emulates the art world while exploring a concept that takes us beyond most unified bodies of work. It is my interpretations of the complexities of this exploration into how the art world functions which has led me to view that world in a whole new way. I see my art world manipulating the object and everything that accompanies that object for presentation as art.

Complete Thesis