Proquest Dissertations
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Each original is also photographed in one exposure and is included in reduced form at the back of the book. Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higher quality 6” x 9" black and white photographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UMI directly to order. UMI Bell & Howell Information and beaming 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Aibor, Ml 48106-1346 USA 800-521-0600 CRITICAL DISCOURSE OF POSTMODERN AESTHETICS IN CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE: AN EXAMINATION ON ART AND EVERYDAY LIFE IN ART EDUCATION DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Sun-Ok Moon ***** The Ohio State University 1999 Dissertation Committee: ^Approved by Dr. Vesta A. H. Daniel, Advisor Dr. Arthur Efland ' Advisor Dr. Georgianna Short Department of Art Education ÜMI Number: 99413 91 UMI Microform 9941391 Copyright 1999, by UMI Company. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. UMI 300 North Zeeb Road Ann Arbor, MI 48103 ABSTRACT In this study I investigate how contemporary furniture, as an expression of postmodern aesthetics, can be made accessible to the largest number of people as particularly through an examination and realization of art and everyday life in art education. I use qualitative content analysis as the principle methodology to explore postmodern aesthetics of communication in contemporary furniture from around 1980 to the present. Through literature review, this study focuses on a variety of approaches to the postmodern aesthetics of communication in contemporary furniture in terms of striking a balance between the function and aesthetics of contemporary furniture called New Design furniture, especially pieces that are considered one of a kind as is characteristic of painting or sculpture. 1 will investigate three areas related to the postmodern aesthetics of communication in New Design furniture: 1) background of New Design furniture, 2) characteristics of New Design furniture, and 3) critical discourse about New Design furniture. From the results of this study examining the aesthetics of postmodern furniture as metaphor, 1 will develop a unit of instruction for an aesthetics class in art education. For use in an examination of art and everyday life in art education, this unit of study attempts to address the socialization of a piece of furniture representing postmodern aesthetics in terms of revival, réintroduction, and reinterpretation of ideas from historical references and the adaptation of fine arts. Therefore, this study will examine the integration of theory and practice in fine arts and furniture design in the postmodern era for art education, in that artwork must be close to, appreciated and, imderstood by, and communicate with the broadest possible public, who will be able to enjoy and use the furniture in their daily living spaces. For My Mother, Father, and Three Younger Sisters IV ACKNOWLEDGMENTS First, from the bottom of my heart I thank my advisor and three committee members for giving me the best of encouragement during my study. My advisor. Dr. Daniel, is one of the nicest persons I have ever met in my life. Her words have given me comfort and pleasure so that I did not have any problem in developing my ideas for the study. She always offered her opinion in such a way that she did not discourage me from keeping on. Her efforts in responding to my work enabled me to go forward without any hesitation in completing it. Dr. Efland has given me invaluable advice for my work. I have been surprised that his knowledge covers any field from fine arts to design or craft. He pointed out the needs of my work sharply. And I can not forget Dr. Short and Dr. Morris, who gave me important advice for developing my study. Dr. Short’s specific response to my lesson plans helped me improve my dissertation. Dr. Morris has always been thoughtful in helping me with my study. I am so proud to have worked with these people. In fact, I think I can not be here without their help so that it is so lucky for me to have known these four people in my life. I can not ever forget their thoughtful and insightful words. Their words and perspective will be kept in mind when I am teaching my students in Korea. Second, I thank my mother, father, and three younger sisters for their support during my study. My mother and father have supported me from their hearts. My mother especially has believed in and has made sacrifices for me. As I am her first child, I would like to dedicate my Ph.D. degree to my mother. As a woman rather than a mother, she has a different view to her first child and beyond encouragement always had high expectations of me. Finally, I thank my teachers in Korea, Professors Choi, Park, Kwak, and Choi. They have given me encouragement from the beginning of my study in Korea till now. VITA 1984......................................................... B.F.A. Woodworking and Furniture Design, Hong-Lk University, Seoul, Korea 1990......................................................... M.F.A. Woodworking and Furniture Design Hong-Ik University, Seoul, Korea 1995-1996............................................... Graduate studies in Furniture Design, Rhode Island School of Design FIELD OF STUDY Major Field: Art Education Studies in Contemporary Furniture in the Postmodern Era Studies in Aesthetics Studies in Curriculum Theory (Education) VIII TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Abstract ........................................................................................................................................ ii Dedication...................................................................................................................................iv Acknowledgement......................................................................................................................v Vita............................................................................................................................................ vii List of Tables ...........................................................................................................................xiii List of Pictures.........................................................................................................................xiv Chapters 1. UNDERSTANDING POSTMODERN AESTHETICS OF NEW DESIGN Need for the Study ...............................................................................1 Statement of the Problem/Research Question ................................. 7 Related Literature................................................................................10 Purpose of the Study .......................................................................... II Definition of Terms.............................................................................12 Limitations.......................................................................................... 13 Summary............................................................................................. 14 Organization of the Remainder of the Dissertation ........................ 16 2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE Introduction.........................................................................................17 Defining Postmodern Furniture ........................................................ 19 Defining Pre-Modem Furniture ........................................................20 The Machine Age ...............................................................................23 Arts and Craft Movement ................................................................. 25 Art Nouveau ....................................................................................... 26 Art Deco..............................................................................................27 Defining Modem Furniture ............................................................... 28 Background of New Design furniture .............................................. 31 Characteristics of New Design Furniture .........................................34 ix Critical Discourse about New Design furniture .............................. 36 Summary.............................................................................................39 3. PORCEDURE Introduction.........................................................................................42 Design of the