The Cathedral of Junk: A Cultural Critique Through Yard Art

Identifier

947

Author

Michelle Ruth Foster

Date

2013

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Art History

Concentration

General Art History

Committee Chair

Carol Crown

Committee Member

Todd Richardson

Committee Member

William McKeown

Abstract

An anti-monument to conspicuous consumption, The Cathedral of Junk was begun as personal expression and has grown into social commentary on the excess of consumerist waste. This thesis examines the social critique inherent in the Austin, Texas yard art structure. To fully understand the implications of the artwork, chapters situate the Cathedral of Junk within its peer group of yard art, examine the significance and use of recycled materials within art, and show how the materials and makeup of the Cathedral of Junk reveals its maker’s critique of society’s obsession with consumerism.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

Recommended Citation

Foster, Michelle Ruth, "The Cathedral of Junk: A Cultural Critique Through Yard Art" (2013). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 797.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/etd/797