Posthumous:

Abstract

POSTHUMOUS By Michael K Lease BFA – Frostburg State University 1996 A Thesis Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2005 Director /Thesis Committee Chair: Paul Thulin, Adjunct Graduate Faculty, Department of Photography and Film This thesis reviews the background, influences, and evolution of three works that form Posthumous, an exhibit by the thesis candidate. The thesis begins with a series of vignettes that relate a number of personal experiences involving death, and photography, which have influenced the conceptual development of the work. Chapters devoted to each piece follow the vignettes. These chapters refer to the various influences that have led to the development of the following works: Obit to Self: April 10, 2005, Posthumous, and Jay. These influences range from the movie Hotel Rwanda, to handbills for punk-rock shows. The thesis ends with a description of the exhibition at the Anderson Gallery.