Thesis
Horizons: above, below & beyond
University of Iowa
Master of Fine Arts (MFA), University of Iowa
Spring 2026
DOI: 10.25820/etd.008374
Abstract
The tallgrass prairie is one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world and often goes unseen. In combining art and science, Horizons: Above, Below & Beyond aims to foster a deeper understanding and relatability to the biodiversity and ecological role of the tallgrass prairie. In the written and visual thesis, soil microbes, root systems, and the tallgrass prairie ecosystem are explored through digital media, handmade paper, printmaking, book arts and original writing.
This body of work poses the question of how human-constructed systems and landscapes, both—urban and rural—can be more compatible with natural processes. I re-examine the history of farming in Iowa and modern agriculture, focusing on symbiotic relationships in the tallgrass prairie. It is these relationships rooted in reciprocity that are emphasized, to showcase that the tallgrass prairie is not passive or stagnant, but a living and evolving entity.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Horizons: above, below & beyond
- Creators
- Alexis Doerr
- Contributors
- Jeremy Swanston (Advisor)Brad Dicharry (Committee Member)Sara Langworthy (Committee Member)Heather Parrish (Committee Member)
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Art
- Date degree season
- Spring 2026
- DOI
- 10.25820/etd.008374
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- vii, 32 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright 2026 Alexis Doerr
- Language
- English
- Date submitted
- 04/23/2026
- Description illustrations
- illustrations
- Description bibliographic
- Includes bibliographical references (pages 31-32).
- Academic Unit
- School of Art, Art History, and Design
- Record Identifier
- 9985177272302771
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