Date of Award
2026
Type
Thesis
Major
Art
Degree Type
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Department
Art Department
First Advisor
Julianna Cowsert
Second Advisor
Dr. Claire McCoy
Third Advisor
Dr. Chandler Padgett
Abstract
For my Honors Thesis, I proposed and created a solo exhibition of my artwork, researching the inspiration behind this work to determine its place within in the context of contemporary art history. My work as an artist centers on stylized, psychologically charged portraits of birds. Looking at art history, birds as artistic subjects are historically rooted in documentation, from scientific illustrations and game paintings to ukiyo-e. Analyzing my own creative influences such as James Audubon, Walton Ford, and Safet Zec, this Thesis explores my artistic background and influences, examining how I have developed as an artist over my tenure at Columbus State University. My exhibition, paper, and talk highlight select works from the past year, showcasing how I have deepened my exploration with the media of print, expanded the conceptual range of my imagery, and further investigated how my art can function as both memorial and warning in an era of environmental insecurity, creating a unique style of contemporary documentation.
Recommended Citation
Rasso, Zoee D., "Practicing Contemporary Documentation: An Analysis of Historic Influences and Personal Inspirations" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 786.
https://csuepress.columbusstate.edu/theses_dissertations/786
