Master of Fine Arts in Experimental and Documentary Arts collection, 2012-2022

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Summary

Creator:
Duke University. Dept. of Art, Art History, and Visual Studies
Abstract:
The Master of Fine Arts in Experimental and Documentary Art degree program at Duke University has been awarded since 2013. Collection houses MFA/EDA theses submitted by graduates of the program, in the form of typescripts; handmade books; digital video and audio, three-dimensional artwork; photobooks; photographic prints; digital still images; and film of multi-media performances. Subjects range widely and include: U.S. and Southern cultures; world cultures; street photography; childhood; environmental narratives and documentaries; city and rural communities; themes of social justice, memory, and identity; women and spirituality; and abstract constructs. Other places documented include China, Poland, Vietnam, and the Middle East. Acquired as part of the Archive of Documentary Arts at Duke University.
Extent:
31.5 Linear Feet (39 boxes; 6 oversize folders)
956 Gigabytes
Language:
Materials chiefly in English; some texts are in Arabic, Chinese, Polish, Vietnamese, Spanish, and Yiddish.
Collection ID:
RL.11067

Background

Scope and content:

Collection contains masters theses submitted each year by graduates of Duke University's Master of Fine Arts in Experimental and Documentary Arts program (MFA/EDA).

The collection is arranged by program year, then in two groups, Written Theses and Creative Theses. Written theses exist in both analog and electronic form; many include handmade books, digital video, or audio files. Creative portfolios include three-dimensional artwork or artifacts; photobooks; color and black-and-white photographic prints in varying sizes; digital still images; digital film, audio, and video; and images and film of multi-media performances and exhibit installations. Artifacts are sometimes part of the project, including one large magic lantern apparatus.

Themes range widely, and include U.S. and Southern cultures; cultures around the world; street photography; environmental narratives and documentaries; city and rural communities; social justice, memory, segregation, and identity; and abstract constructs. Most projects are based in the United States, but some are centered on Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian or Chinese history and culture.

Most authors have contributed both creative and written theses; others have elected to contribute only one or the other. Not all authors have both written and creative theses. Participation in the archival project is voluntary; therefore this archive represents the graduates of the MFA EDA program who submitted their work for inclusion.

Biographical / historical:

First awarded in the 2012-2013 academic year, the Master of Fine Arts in Experimental and Documentary Art degree program at Duke University brings together two forms of artistic activity - the documentary approach and experimental production in analog, digital, and computational media - fostering collaborations across disciplines and media.

The philosophy of the program is guided by a belief in the intersection of personal artistic work with interpretive knowledge and of the relevance of the individual documentary or experimental artist within the cultural history and life of communities. A key component to the program is the notion of creative engagement through the arts and the role of the artist in society. Graduates are expected to generate work that has impact both within and outside the academy.

Acquisition information:
The Master of Fine Arts in Experimental and Documentary Arts collection was received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book Manuscript Library as a transfer in 2015 and as gifts from 2016-2022.
Processing information:

Processed by Beth Morris Weiss, November, 2015.

Addition 2016-0011 processed by Paula Jeannet and Leslie Hayes.

Addition 2016-0120 processed by Meghan Lyon, Matthew Farrell, and Paula Jeannet.

Additions 2016-0309, 2016-0314, and 2016-0324 processed by Matthew Farrell, Paula Jeannet.

Addition 2017-0081 processed by Matthew Farrell, Paula Jeannet, July 2017.

Addition 2018-0052 processed by Matthew Farrell, Paula Jeannet, June 2018.

Addition 2019-0063 processed by Matthew Farrell, Paula Jeannet, and Rachel Jessen, June 2019.

Addition 2021-0007 processed by Matthew Farrell, Paula Jeannet, November 2021.

Addition 2022-0106 processed by Matthew Farrell, Paula Jeannet, December 2022.

Accessions described in this collection guide: 2015-0070; 2016-0011; 2016-0120; 2016-0309; 2016-0314; 2016-0324; 2017-0081; 2018-0052; 2019-0063; 2021-0007; 2022-0106.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged into series by MFA program year. Within these series, MFA theses are separated into two types: written and creative. Within those two groups, authors are listed in alphabetical order by last name. Many authors have entries in both groups. Author abstracts and artists' statements are included when available.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

Using These Materials

Using These Materials Links:

Using These Materials

Restrictions:

Access note. Some materials in this collection are fragile audiovisual/photographic formats that may need to be reformatted before use. Contact Research Services for access.

Access note. Some materials in this collection are electronic records that require special equipment. Contact Research Services with questions.

Access note: Some donors have outlined specific access restrictions regarding the use of their work. Please contact Research Services with questions.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Master of Fine Arts in Experimental and Documentary Arts collection, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.

Permalink:
https://idn.duke.edu/ark:/87924/m1m35s