2023 Art History Student Research Paper Prize and Research Presentation
We ended the academic year in great spirit, showcasing some of our students’ critical art historical work through our annual prize competition for best research paper and best research presentation. Our students submitted entries that drew from their work in various art history courses, with fascinating subjects ranging from representations of the Hindu god Ganesha that reflect elements of music and dance within the static image, to the symbolic resonance of orchids in Ming and Qing dynasty works that bring forward conflicting notions of femininity, to fifteenth century Florentine art that reflects patriarchal values evident in renditions of the shamed figures of Adam and Eve and corresponding serpentine iconography.
We thank and congratulate all our undergraduate scholars who shared their hard work and contributed to this event. The faculty committee that reviewed submissions looks forward to seeing more of their efforts next year, alongside new participants and contributors, in this ongoing end-of-year competition.
An additional warm (virtual) applause for the prize winners noted below:
Best Art History Research Paper: Anna Cooper ’25 (Art History) - Deschi da Parto: “Birthing Trays” from Renaissance Florence Provide Unique Insight into Gender Roles
Paolo Ucello, Birth of the Virgin ca. 1435, 361 x 302 cm (11' 10.13'' x 9' 10.9"). Image from Web Gallery of Art.
Attendant in blue dress with single long braid seen delivering Mary a desco da parto/birth tray.
Best Art History Culture & Ideas (first year) Paper: Payton Pemberton ’26 (Undeclared Business) - Family Planning Propaganda: How China and Singapore’s Responses to Reproductive Rates Reflect Culture and Government Campaigns
Zhang Zhenhua, Do a good job in family planning to promote economic development,
printed poster, April, 1986, 53 x 77 cm, collection of Stefan R. Landsberger, Amsterdam.
Best Art History Presentation: Andrea Hu ’25 (Art History) - KAWAII + KOWAI: The Cute and the Uncanny in Superflat Isolated Child Figures
Mayuka Yamamoto, Little Sheep Boy, 2020, giclée on signa smooth 300 cotton rag paper, 56 x 43 cm
Recognition for presenting at the Annual Art History Symposium at SCU:
Payton Pemberton ’26 (Undeclared Business) - Family Planning Propaganda: How China and Singapore’s Responses to Reproductive Rates Reflect Culture and Government Campaigns
Symposium Photos>>