Back to results

Temple University. Libraries

Coloring Perception: Spencer Finch and the Art of Seeing

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

Emanating from a large, gaseous star forming the center of the universe - commonly referred to as the sun - light colors the world. Light is a mystifying, transient element, a source of energy and life that has transfixed mankind for centuries. Also seduced by the wonders of light (and color) is contemporary artist, Spencer Finch. He has embarked on a quixotic mission of trying to measure, capture, and replicate the temporal qualities of light and color. His interest lies in capturing the fleetingness of the moments he experiences. To some extent Finch is successful in his impossible quest. Even in failure, his artworks become a vehicle for exploring the intricacies of human vision and perception. Mixing scientific inquiry and art, Finch utilizes remnants of the past - iconic sites and figures, famous literary texts, etc. - to reflect on personal memories and experiences. His artwork is a means of working out his own questions and ideas about vision and perception. By grounding his work in the known, Finch allows the viewer to enter and understand his works. Viewers are offered a unique chance to consider the ways in which the world is seen and understood. In the end, Finch hopes he is able to offer an almost out-of-body, or maybe just deeply insightful, experience in which vision is called into question, allowing an insight into understanding what it means to perceive.

Degree

thesis:*
Grantor dc:publisher
Temple University. Libraries
Year dc:date.issued
2012

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Dempsey, Kaitlin
Advisors dc:contributor.advisor
  • Braddock, Alan C., 1961-
  • Glahn, Philip
Committee member dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Glahn, Philip

Subjects

dc:subject × 2

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • IN COPYRIGHT- This Rights Statement can be used for an Item that is in copyright. Using this statement implies that the organization making this Item available has determined that the Item is in copyright and either is the rights-holder, has obtained permission from the rights-holder(s) to make their Work(s) available, or makes the Item available under an exception or limitation to copyright (including Fair Use) that entitles it to make the Item available.
Language dc:language.iso
eng

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
864885603
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:scholarshare.temple.edu:20.500.12613/1074

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Temple University
Base URL
scholarshare.temple.edu/server/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-27
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Dempsey, Kaitlin. Coloring Perception: Spencer Finch and the Art of Seeing. Temple University. Libraries, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12613/1074