Thesis
Aposematic design
University of Iowa
Master of Fine Arts (MFA), University of Iowa
Spring 2025
DOI: 10.25820/etd.007898
Abstract
When an object is defined as feminine, it means it shares characteristics with the idealistic standards of the female body. This terminology reenforces the idea that femininity should be soft, kind, gentle, curvy, nurturing, and maternal. However, by fitting into this standard of femininity, I have found myself more frequently subjected to unwanted attention and harassment.
By creating designs that may appear to be dangerous or unwelcoming yet comfortable and functional, I seek to challenge the idea of what femininity can mean. We use our appearance to nonverbally communicate with others about our values and interests, intentionally or not. Much like how piercings, tattoos, colored hair, and seemingly hard exteriors can be used to ward off unwanted company, I seek to do the same within my designs.
Through aposematic design, I am breaking free from the belief that design should be minimalistic and neutral to appeal to a broader audience. I am beginning to create designs that reflect my own personal aesthetic and bluntness to better align with my work and to also voice my frustration.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Aposematic design
- Creators
- Anna Roemerman
- Contributors
- Monica Correia (Advisor)Andrew Casto (Committee Member)Robert Bork (Committee Member)Steve McGuire (Committee Member)
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Art
- Date degree season
- Spring 2025
- DOI
- 10.25820/etd.007898
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- iv, 21 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright 2025 Anna Roemerman
- Comment
- This thesis has been optimized for improved web viewing. If you require the original version, contact the University Archives at the University of Iowa: https://www.lib.uiowa.edu/sc/contact/
- Language
- English
- Date submitted
- 04/29/2025
- Description illustrations
- Illustrations
- Description bibliographic
- Includes bibliographical references (page 21).
- Public Abstract (ETD)
When an object is defined as feminine, it means it shares characteristics with the idealistic standards of the female body. This terminology reenforces the idea that femininity should be soft, kind, gentle, curvy, nurturing, and maternal. However, by fitting into this standard of femininity, I have found myself more frequently subjected to unwanted attention and harassment.
By creating designs that may appear to be dangerous or unwelcoming yet comfortable and functional, I seek to challenge the idea of what femininity can mean. We use our appearance to nonverbally communicate with others about our values and interests, intentionally or not. Much like how piercings, tattoos, colored hair, and seemingly hard exteriors can be used to ward off unwanted company, I seek to do the same within my designs.
Through aposematic design, I am breaking free from the belief that design should be minimalistic and neutral to appeal to a broader audience. I am beginning to create designs that reflect my own personal aesthetic and bluntness to better align with my work and to also voice my frustration.
- Academic Unit
- School of Art, Art History, and Design
- Record Identifier
- 9984831122002771
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