PROPHETS BLUFF RETROSPECTIVE: AN EXAMINATION OF A FABRICATED HISTORY

Author

Samuel J. Copeland, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

8-1-2012

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts

Department

Mass Communication and Media Arts

First Advisor

Overturf, Daniel

Abstract

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF SAMUEL J. COPELAND, for the Master of Fine Arts degree in CINEMA AND PHOTOGRAPHY, presented on June 26, 2012, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. PROPHETS BLUFF RETROSPECTIVE: AN EXAMINATION OF A FABRICATED HISTORY MAJOR PROFESSOR: DANIEL V. OVERTURF Every human being is born into a world riddled with questions. Many of these questions may never have a definite answer within the course of human existence, let alone during our lifetimes. We are born into the mystery of life and if we are lucky we have our five senses to utilize in the examination and interpretation of our environment. If we are ever to know the context of our existence we must use our intellect as fed by senses to investigate the fundamental questions of who we are and how we got here. Throughout the recorded history of the human race we have been attempting to understand and describe our presence. Ideally each successive generation builds upon the knowledge of the previous generation. However, time works to blur and distort history primarily through the loss of context and association. The ebb and flow of history allows for new interpretations with each passing generation. I do not presume to say that the present knowledge of our existence has stagnated. It is undeniable that we are making progress; nevertheless I do believe we are no closer to answering the deep-seated questions created by our existence, than were the ancients. The themes and concepts contained within the Prophets Bluff Retrospective installation and this written work are things that as an individual I tend to dwell upon. However, these thoughts are not unique to me. They are universal, and pertinent to all human beings.