The Department of Art History applauds Jessica Moore, who recently completed her Ph.D. in Art History.
Dr. Moore described her dissertation as follows:
Through a closely read survey of artwork from Black feminist women artists from the 19th to the 21st centuries, The Aesthetics of the Humancitizen: Black Women's Art, The "Human", and Labor interrogates the relationship between art and its histories, labor, citizenship, and aesthetics. The project proposes that philosophies of nation and art history are bound up with racial capital, the undervaluation of Black women's labor and existences, and thus a racialized and gendered valuation of art and practice of art history.
Image (top): The Bible Quilt, Harriet Powers (1886-1887). Athens, Georgia, 1885-1886. Cotton fiber, 75 in x 89 in; 191 cm x 227 cm. Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Image (middle): Astral Sea: When Drowning is the Best Option performance, Makonnen lies down at the foot of Barca Nostra as Italian police observe her and guardrails are put up, Tsedaye Makonnen (1984—). Italy, 2019. Fabric, mirrorized plastic. Video still taken by author. Video footage provided by artist.
Image(bottom): Operation Catsuit: Sparkle #5, I love You performed at Loophole of Retreat Conference, Evans climbs a ladder in red heels. Ayana Evans, Ayana Evans (1982—). Venice, Italy, 2022. Digital photograph. Photo courtesy of the artist.
The College of Arts