Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Ethnographic Research in Morocco: Analyzing Contemporary Artistic Practices and Visual Culture

Barnes, Maribea Woodington

Abstract Details

2008, Doctor of Philosophy, Ohio State University, Art Education.

Over the last several decades numerous scholarly articles and books have been published on Moroccan art forms. Yet, these studies have consistently examined Morocco's traditional works or its older forms of artistic practices. Specifically, Morocco's ceramics objects and textiles are among the most commonly examined works. As a result of this emphasis, only a partial view of Morocco's rich artistic production has been presented. Currently, Moroccan Art is consistently viewed as static and the 19th century western Orientalist image of Morocco has more or less remained. Visual Culture within the country and beyond its border continues to reinforce these antiquated perceptions.

To identify the range of works of art produced within Morocco, a multi-method ethnographic approach was utilized. Using information drawn from fieldwork conducted in Morocco in 2002, 2004, and 2006, contemporary artistic practices were examined and analyzed within a social and historical context. Personal narratives from my fieldwork in 2006 added layers of information to enrich my study of Moroccan art and culture. My findings revealed that Morocco's rich historical past includes a multiplicity of cultures and influences. As a result, the country's contemporary artistic production mirrors the complexity of this past. Additionally, works produced today address current social and political issues within a global environment. Moroccan Art is not static, but diverse and fluid. By studying a range of contemporary works of art and visual culture produced within the country, perceptions about Morocco's art forms and its people will be redefined.

Patricia Stuhr, PhD (Advisor)
414 p.

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Barnes, M. W. (2008). Ethnographic Research in Morocco: Analyzing Contemporary Artistic Practices and Visual Culture [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1218051347

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Barnes, Maribea. Ethnographic Research in Morocco: Analyzing Contemporary Artistic Practices and Visual Culture. 2008. Ohio State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1218051347.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Barnes, Maribea. "Ethnographic Research in Morocco: Analyzing Contemporary Artistic Practices and Visual Culture." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio State University, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1218051347

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)