Description
By creating paintings, which challenge assumptions concerning depth and space, in conjunction with harking to aesthetics associated with the notion ofcuteness, I explore the following: how is one to challenge perceptual processes, to deceive the eye? What is cuteness? What are the hierarchal similarities between cuteness and works of the optical art genre? And lastly, how are these topics relevant to my childhood experience?Within this research, I will first expand upon how each of my paintingsdeceives visual processes, and thus present the seemingly impossible. Second,I will break down psychological and cultural reasoning concerning concepts of cuteness. Third, I will examine op art’s decline into the realm of kitsch. I will also take a feminist approach on how and why aesthetics associated with cuteness are perceived as “low brow." Fourth, I will review how these themes relate to my youth, focusing on gender and health, to further connect the notion of cuteness with op art. Post analysis, I will provide a brief overview of my painting processes—as well as a conclusive summary of my findings.
