BORDERLINES

Abstract

This thesis paper is the supporting document for an exhibition that was held at the University of Waterloo art Gallery. The show consisted of a series of large scale acrylic paintings on canvas. Through my paintings I deal with the current role that pattern, ornament and decoration play in our society today. My work is also concerned with the concept of the painting as a decorative object in and of itself. Our understanding of the terms ornament, embellishment and decoration have changed considerably throughout history, being defined and re-defined time and time again. Moreover, we have yet to come to a definitive explanation for the existence of ornament and decoration. The persistence of ornamental motifs throughout time, as well as their continued presence in contemporary visual culture, evidences the fact that this subject requires further investigation. As such, I have chosen to explore this through my paintings. I alter the palette, composition and medium of my source imagery in order to re-present these familiar motifs in a manner that encourages the viewer to regard them anew. In doing this, I explore ornament’s potential as a relevant visual language within contemporary western culture.