Australian Digital Theses Program

Thesis Details
Title	Beyond Familiar Territory: Dissertation: De-centering the Centre (An analysis of visual strategies in the art of Robert Smithson, Alfredo Jaar and the Bark Petitions of Yirrkala); and Studio Report: A Sculptural Response to Mapping, Mining, and Consumption
Author	Schwarz, Janien (Nien)
Institution	The Australian National University
Date	1999
Abstract	Dissertation: "Beyond Familiar Territory" researches various visual and conceptual strategies that facilitate connection between urban-based audiences and peripheral areas of ground where the extraction of mineral resources occurs. The Dissertation is a comparative analysis of selected works by Robert Smithson, Alfredo Jaar, and the Bark Petitions of the Yirrkala people in North East Arnhem Land. The focus is on how these artists have endeavoured to challenge urban audiences, disrupt the perceived hierarchy between centre and periphery, and bridge gaps between urban sites of mineral consumption and overlooked sites of mineral extraction. ¶ "Beyond Familiar Territory" takes the form of this Dissertation (33%), and an exhibition of works at the Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) from 6 February to 21 March, 1999, which, together with the Studio report, documents the outcome of the Studio Practice Component (67%). ¶ Report: "Beyond Familiar Territory" researches various visual and conceptual strategies that facilitate connection between urban-based audiences and peripheral areas of ground where the extraction of mineral resources occurs. To decentre the self-importance and perceived inclusiveness of urban centres by bridging gaps or facilitating insight between a centre of mineral extraction and production and a centre of mineral consumption. The Dissertation entails a comparative analysis of strategies used by Robert Smithson, Alfredo Jaar, and the Yirrkala Bark Petition painters, and analyses how these artists have perceived their relationships as mediators or facilitators between mining sites (and associated activities) and urban centres of consumption. ¶ "Beyond Familiar Territory" takes the form of an exhibition of works at the Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG) from 6 February to 21 March, 1999, which comprises the outcome of the Studio Practice Component (67%), together with a Dissertation (33%), and the Report which documents the nature of the course of study.
Thesis	01front.pdf 0.0 Kb 01DissertationFront.pdf 234.2 Kb 02DissertationCh1-3.pdf 4521.0 Kb 03DissertationCh4-5.pdf 5016.3 Kb 04DissertationBibliography.pdf 432.6 Kb 05ReportFront.pdf 733.4 Kb 06ReportCh1-4.pdf 10971.6 Kb 07ReportCh5-8.pdf 8557.3 Kb 08ReportCh9-11.pdf 9880.2 Kb