Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree Completion
Winter 1970
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Fine Arts
Committee Chair
B. Stephen Bayless
Second Committee Member
Richard T. Doi
Third Committee Member
William V. Dunning
Abstract
This study was commenced as an investigation into the aesthetics of existentialism as applied to contemporary art in America, particularly painting. This student believes that to the artist who recognizes the absurdity of his existence, irony is the natural mode of expression. It is also the belief of this student that the form of irony in recent American art, expressed primarily in parody and black humor, indicates America’s own particular brand of cheerful nihilism. The purpose was to better understand the aesthetics of existentialism, to apply these to contemporary art, and finally to apply these influences to the student’s own painting. The ultimate purpose was to objectify and articulate her own attitudes towards art.
Recommended Citation
Tayer, Delma Ward, "Parody as the Ironic Mode of Existential Art" (1970). All Master's Theses. 1531.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/1531