The Thing About Stuff: Exploring Consumerism Through Contemporary Print, Collage and Self-Reflection
Graduation Term
Spring 2026
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Department
School of Art
Committee Chair
Morgan Price
Committee Member
Jason Dunda
Committee Member
Saskia Beranek
Abstract
The Thing about Stuff is an exhibition of editioned prints and book forms that pertain to personal and societal contradictions under capitalism. I use a combination of collage, design, print, traditional research and writing to form a better understanding of my place in capitalism by redefining my participation in it. Historical and contemporary research in combination with self-reflection and artmaking assists in my exploration of consumerism through the lens of human-object relationships. This body of work translates my own material desire for an audience through intentional composition, limited color pallets and intentional display. The accompanying supportive statement focuses on the creation of my previous work and how it led me to this current portfolio.
Access Type
Thesis-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Cox, Alexandra Lee, "The Thing About Stuff: Exploring Consumerism Through Contemporary Print, Collage and Self-Reflection" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 2253.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/2253