Abstract
This study begins with the popularity of American folk artist Grandma Moses (1860-1961) in the 1950s and analyzes the deeper meaning of her paintings by examining their artistic development and subject matter; also explores the interrelationship between memory and nostalgia in her paintings by applying theories of cultural memory and nostalgia. The purpose of this study is to examine the artistic value of Grandma Moses and to identify the key factors that have contributed to the longevity of the painting in the minds of the American public.The thesis is structured into four chapters. Chapter 1 examines the reality of Grandma Moses' popularity, revealing the criticism she has received; Chapter 2 summarizes the artistic development of Grandma Moses, including childhood enlightenment, decorative embroidery, imitation and reproduction, style formation, and the later years of her life; and Chapter 3 summarizes the themes of her art, which include rural landscapes, traditional farm life, traditional American festivals, and indoor family activities; Chapter 4 applies the theory of cultural memory to analyze the images of memories with the concepts of collected memory and cultural memory; at the same time, the Google Street View system is used to examine the historical buildings and specific locations, and the theory of nostalgia is used to interpret the reflective nostalgia in the works.
The findings indicate that Grandma Moses' works are popular among the American public because they touch people's deepest memories and nostalgia, awakening common collective memories. Her use of collage and reinvention imbues the images with new meaning, presenting a future-oriented nostalgia that prompts reflection on the interconnectedness of the past, present, and future. The study posits Grandma Moses' works not merely as reflections of the past but as insightful reflections of the present, providing a novel perspective for future generations to understand and reinterpret.
| Date of Award | 2023 |
|---|---|
| Original language | Chinese (Traditional) |
| Supervisor | Ya-Lun Wang (Supervisor) |