Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Art

Reader 1

Kim Trang-Tran

Reader 2

Kasper Kovitz

Terms of Use & License Information

Terms of Use for work posted in Scholarship@Claremont.

Rights Information

2024 Janet Russin

Abstract

This project explores the intersection between abstract painting, embodied experience, and phenomenological theory, with a focus on creating art that is both emotionally resonant and accessible to the viewer. Rooted in the work of Maurice Merleau-Ponty, the project emphasizes the active, sensory engagement between the perceiver and the perceived, proposing that art should not only be intellectually interpreted but also physically experienced. By integrating techniques from abstract expressionism and assemblage, the work invites viewers to engage with the materials directly—encouraging touch and manipulation to foster a deeper, personal connection. This tactile interaction challenges traditional notions of "sacred" art, where exclusivity and intellectualization often distance the viewer from the work. Instead, the project seeks to democratize art by prioritizing embodied viewing, where meaning emerges through sensory, subjective engagement rather than prescribed interpretations. Thematically, the work explores universal concepts of life, grief, and connection through the metaphor of the womb, blending abstract and representational forms to convey both personal and collective experiences. Ultimately, the project aims to create a space where art is not a static object to be analyzed, but a dynamic, living experience that evolves through the interaction of viewer, material, and maker.

Download

This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

Share

COinS