Thesis Examples from past students:
Example #1
Thesis Statement
Achieving perfection has been the goal of many sculptors since the dawn of artistic
expression. This pursuit is most often attempted through the use of idealism, but perfection,
as a concept, means different things to different people and cultures. In ancient Greece,
perfection came in the form of bronze statues depicting nude athletes and warriors. One of
the greatest examples of this is Doryphoros or Spear Bearer, by Polyclitus (image one). In the
western culture of the last century a new idea of perfection has formed. The idea of
pollution-free or “green” ecosystems has become a new cultural ideal. This can be seen in
Revival Field by Mel chin (image two). These two sculptures illustrate two linked but
distinctly different cultures striving for their over ideas of perfection.
Outline
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Introduction – thesis statement
The Greek Physical ideal
i. The Greek Athletic tradition
ii. Greek’s strict ideas of art and the canon of Polyclitus
iii. Discussion of the Spear Bearer
Modern Environment Conservation
i. Growing awareness over the last century
ii. Broadening ideas of what art is
Compare/contrast the two works
i. Comparison of media
ii. Themese and intended impact
iii. What the two works say about their respective cultures
Conclusion
Bibliography (In MLA Format)
Obourn, Nick. "Invincible Man." Art & Antiques 31.12 (2008): 28-9. Art Full Text. Web. 23
Sep. 2010.
Cembalest, Robin. "Lettuce in a landfill." ARTnews 90 (1991): 43. Art Full Text. Web. 23 Sep.
2010.
PBS. “Art 21: Mel Chin.” Retrieved October 9, 2009 from
http://www.pbs.org/art21/artists/chin/index.html
Brilliant, Richard. Arts of the Ancient Greeks. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1973. Print.
Example #2
Thesis Statement
A strong respect and love for the land exists throughout my work. I cannot remember a time
when I did not feel humbled by the beauty of the natural world. I do not believe anything I can
create can compare to the beauty of the natural world, but these works are a response to that
beauty (Lin)
In this quote extracted from her book, Boundaries, Maya Lin explains the importance nature
has on her work. Her landscape artwork Storm King Wavefield (image 1) is a testament to
this. Her style of not imaging nature but instead working with the natural world to create
art is comparable to the Great Serpent Mound (image 2) found in Adams County, Ohio. An
ideal representation of land art, these two artworks are connected not only by the obvious
usage of mounds but are also a reflection of nature and science.
Outline
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
Introduction – thesis statement
Introduction to Maya Lin
a. Background, other works
b. Influence of Ohio/Native American artwork on her works as well as a
discussion of other influences
Historical Background on the Great Serpent Mound
a. Location, Adena tribe, How it was constructed and theories of why
b. Burial mounds
Storm King Wave Field
a. Location, description
b. Significance to Lin
c. Scientific waves
Comparison of GSM and wavefield
a. Use of materials/design/shape
b. Different purposes
Conclusion
Bibliography
Mock, Freida L, Terry Sanders, Maya Y. Lin, Vincent J. Scully, Jan C. Scruggs, Robert W.
Doubek, and Eileen H. Norton. Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision. Santa Monica, Ca: Sanders &
Mock Production, 1994.
Boettger, Suzaan. "Hybrid Field." Art in America 97.9 (2009): 118-21. Art Full Text. Web. 23
Sep. 2010.
Saraceni, Jessica E.. "Redating Serpent Mound." Archaeology 49 (1996): 16-17. Art Full Text.
Web. 23 Sep. 2010.
PBS. “Art 21: Maya Lin.” Retrieved October 9, 2009 from
http://www.pbs.org/art21/artists/lin/index.html