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THE EXTRAVAGANZA AWAITS

Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition

Gallery of Visual Arts, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT

April-May 2008

PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION ​ My (in 2008) current series of paintings, which evolved into installation, is based in notions of spectacle, consumption of information, and self-gratifying selection. These ideas are subtly entwined in the subject matter, design, and content of the work. I lighten their heaviness with humor and treat them with a carnivalesque aesthetic, appropriate to the absurdity that I see characteristic of them. Painting places the issues in a narrative context, but the story remains open-ended to allow the viewer to bring personal associations to the work. I specifically selected images of friends and family unfamiliar to the viewer and a lexicon of personal symbols to maintain mystery, which should bring the viewer back to the series again and again. Installation helps the viewer physically interact with the work, giving more time to make associations, consume information, behave with the characters, and eventually witness their own behaviors. I hope for the viewer’s recognition of complicity not only with the work itself, but with the ideas contained in the work, because I believe these ideas are general and, though important, sometimes overlooked. This show is dedicated to my Granny, Patricia S. DiGeorge, and to my truly amazing family. Special Thanks M.F.A. Committee: James Bailey, Cathryn Mallory, and Mike Monsos Brad Allen Matthew Kirscht Kendall Mingey David Rodriguez and Elizabeth Joan Kelly Lisa Jarrett Rebecca Weed Whitney Polich, Kayla Romberger, and Kaeli Casati Jace Laasko, Don Earl, and Adam Carroll The Department of Art at UM

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gallery entrance

Entrance MusicElizabeth Joan Kelly and David Rodriguez
00:00 / 01:35
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dining room

Dining MusicElizabeth Joan Kelly and David Rodriguez
00:00 / 04:41
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extravaganza

Entrance MusicElizabeth Joan Kelly and David Rodriguez
00:00 / 01:35
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back room

Exit MusicElizabeth Joan Kelly and David Rodriguez
00:00 / 05:23
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game room

Game MusicElizabeth Joan Kelly and David Rodriguez
00:00 / 03:52

exeunt

Exit MusicElizabeth Joan Kelly and David Rodriguez
00:00 / 05:23
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