Description
This thesis report is an accounting of the experiences and influences of my career as a graduate student at San Diego State University, culminating in the exhibition of my work; Mark-Making, the Internet, and Activism. I start the text by explaining who I am and the philosophy I brought to graduate school. As well while in graduate school the Covid –19 pandemic influenced and informed the artwork I would make. Significant works that I describe in this thesis are: American Hero, 14 Days 14 Portraits, What Role Do I Play?, and 24 Hours 24 Portraits. All these works are done as performances via livestreaming on YouTube. They also engage with social justice and equity in our society. I connect my work to important artist and artistic movements that have come before. These artists range from conceptual and performance artists such as Joseph Beuys, Fluxus, and the Japanese Gutai Art Association, to contemporary artists such as David Choe and Casey Niestat. Finally, I describe and reflect on my exhibition Mark-Making, the Internet, and Activism.
