Art, Art History and Design, School of
School of Art, Art History, and Design: Theses and Student Creative Work
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First Advisor
Matthew Sontheimer
Second Advisor
Santiago Cal
Committee Members
Aaron Holz, Dana Fritz, Mary Alice Casto, Qwist Joseph
Date of this Version
3-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Citation
A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts
Major: Art
Under the supervision of Professors Matthew Sontheimer and Santiago Cal
Lincoln, Nebraska, March 2026
Abstract
Through the use of form, softly muted colors, and play with transparent materials, I create ethereal drawings and immersive installation experiences. I work with the softness in fabric and the controlled detail in drawing. In doing so, I am enveloping myself in the drive to create, pushing the viewer to be spatially aware of their bodies existing in space.
This body of work exists as I am processing the state of my own body. We engage and perceive the world through our bodies. The fabric panels I create call to the porosity and permeability of human skin. The skin contains our organs, yet is an organ itself, filtering the external materials from the rest of our body. I created an installation that is reminiscent of a body or organism, with a distinct exterior to observe and an interior to be surrounded by. The human body malfunctions and eventually decays. Through my work, I aim to confront my own discomfort with this, because we are all given one body to carry us through life.
Advisors: Matthew Sontheimer and Santiago Cal
Comments
Copyright 2026, Rachel M. Clarke. Used by permission