Abstract
Marcescence is the withering yet attachment of a leaf to its stem. This withering but futile persistence conceptually intrigues me, as well as the inclusion of nuance into dichotomies. In this installation, many of the forms are derived from the burls and galls of trees, phenomena resulted from damage but a testament of healing--scar tissue--to anthropomorphize. Here, I use marcescence as an extended metaphor, to relate with that very persistence. This body of work sheds off personal items, writings, former works of art, and memories, which, have undergone transformation to be gawked at before their next transition.
The next part is, Kindling, a followup exhibition to this work at the Carnegie Art Center in June. Dry and small remnants of both exhibitions will earn the title of Kindling--set ablaze after the June exhibition. This disintegration represents my view that the value of the art-object is not in its capacity to be fetishized or commodified. As an observation, organic forms are not so easily slotted into retail shelving.
As for the material composition, these works are the antithesis of archival and salable. Made of a compostable or biodegradable composition, they are designed to wither, whilst still clinging to their walls. An autumn leaf clinging to its stem. Or like an artist, clenching onto withering creativity.
Advisor
Liz Miller
Committee Member
Paul Prew
Committee Member
Alisa Eimen
Date of Degree
2025
Language
english
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Arts (MA)
Program of Study
Art
Department
Creative Arts
College
Humanities and Social Sciences
Recommended Citation
Liebl, B. (2025). Marcescence [Master’s thesis, Minnesota State University, Mankato]. Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/etds/1516/
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