WRITING
ACADEMIC, ART WRITING, OPINION-PIECES, REVIEWS, SAMPLES
ACADEMIC, ART WRITING, OPINION-PIECES, REVIEWS, SAMPLES
ACADEMIC, ART WRITING, OPINION-PIECES, REVIEWS, SAMPLES
ACADEMIC, ART WRITING, OPINION-PIECES, REVIEWS, SAMPLES
ACADEMIC, ART WRITING, OPINION-PIECES, REVIEWS, SAMPLES
ACADEMIC, ART WRITING, OPINION-PIECES, REVIEWS, SAMPLES
ACADEMIC, ART WRITING, OPINION-PIECES, REVIEWS, SAMPLES
ACADEMIC, ART WRITING, OPINION-PIECES, REVIEWS, SAMPLES
ACADEMIC, ART WRITING, OPINION-PIECES, REVIEWS, SAMPLES
ACADEMIC, ART WRITING, OPINION-PIECES, REVIEWS, SAMPLES
THESIS: The Interplay of Hypersexuality and Queer Identity in Art
"The hyper-sexual is not merely a product of internal community dynamics but is significantly shaped by larger societal, cultural, religious, and personal factors. The complexity of queer hyper-sexuality is not only a marker of personal identity, but also a cultural phenomenon with deep, cultural, and widespread roots."
This piece examines the intersection of eroticism, masculinity, and queer representation in art, from Greco-Roman sculptures to digital media. It unpacks hypersexuality as both expression and societal imposition, challenging the viewer to ask: Is sexuality in art inherent, or shaped by our gaze?
The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius as a painting and the Impact of the Sublime
This paper explores Sebastian Pether’s The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius as a sublime Romantic work, capturing nature’s power, human awe, and the interplay of beauty and terror.
"The eruption of Mount Vesuvius, with its unpredictable and uncontrollable nature, represents a force beyond human comprehension. The mysterious aspects of volcanic activity, including the inner workings of the Earth, inspire this inherent reflection, and here he begins to unravel the enigmas of the natural world. In sum, the painting itself is a manifestation of the sublime, and by doing so, he also works within the framework of Romanticism."
John Riepenhoff Artist Talk Response
"John Riepenhoff’s work exemplifies the power of community, resourcefulness, and challenging artistic institutions. By prioritizing collaboration over ego, activating public spaces, and engaging the sensory, he shifts how artists are perceived—proving that art isn’t just to be seen, but experienced and valued."
The Bounds of Knowledge: Gender, Creativity, and Restriction in Printmaking
This paper examines the historical barriers women faced in accessing and producing knowledge, particularly in printmaking and scientific illustration. Through figures like Henrietta Maria Moriarty, Sabine Winn, and anonymous female artists, it explores how societal constraints limited creative expression while highlighting the resilience of women who found ways to contribute despite these restrictions. It argues that knowledge and artistic freedom have long been privileges, and when given the space to create, women have made significant, often overlooked, contributions to art and intellectual progress.
Cultural Crossroads:
This writing dives into why representation in history and art actually matters, using Missouri’s Cultural Crossroads exhibit as a lens. It unpacks how underrepresented groups—like Native Americans, African Americans, and women—have shaped Missouri’s identity but were often overlooked or misrepresented. By analyzing key works, it highlights how visual storytelling gives these voices the space they deserve and pushes for a more inclusive, accurate historical narrative.