Art history major interviews artist Alfredo Jaar in his studio
While studying abroad in Santiago, Chile, Liz Donato, ’08, found herself intrigued by artist Alfredo Jaar and the ideas behind his work. Jaar, who is also an architect and filmmaker, was born in Santiago. His work focuses on the complex dynamic between wealthier and privileged audiences and those who are traditionally deemed "other," and is exhibited extensively around the world. Donato’s interest in Jaar's work centered around the moral and social obligations of artists when representing these kinds of concerns. This interest would turn into the topic for her senior thesis and the ensuing research would eventually take her to Jaar’s studio in New York, to ask the man himself.
“I was intrigued by Jaar’s work on several levels, because it paralleled many of my own interests in art and art history: the intersection of art and politics, experimentation with media, and an unavailing belief that art can effect and inspire social and political change,” said Donato.
In the earliest stages of research, Donato applied for an undergraduate research grant, which funded travel to the library at the Museum of Modern Art. The trip to New York was so valuable that she split the funds of the research grant in order to make a second trip—which is when things got exciting. After months of corresponding with the artist and his staff, Donato had the opportunity to interview Jaar in his New York studio, in February 2008.
“I was quite nervous and a little intimidated to meet with Alfredo Jaar, as he is a world-renowned artist, but I knew discussing my topic with him would be give me answers that I could not glean from reading other scholars’ work on him,” Donato said. “I wanted to ask him my own questions and hear his responses. And sure enough, our conversation led me in many new fruitful directions and changed the structure of my paper. This experience taught me the importance of primary research, and going directly to the source, especially while taking advantage of all the resources available to you along the way.”
Donato will be presenting her thesis at a national conference in New Orleans in September. She will once again be funded by a grant from the School of Arts & Sciences for the travel and registration costs. The final paper, which was sent to Jaar as he requested, explores the social implications of contemporary art and the idea of artist as witness.
“At the onset of this project, I had no idea I would be able to meet an acclaimed contemporary artist or present my research to an audience beyond the University of Richmond,” said Donato. “I’m so grateful to the University for funding and supporting my project and making independent research a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.”