The inimitable Mr Meek : Re-discovering a lost art

- Luxemburg, Joan

Title
The inimitable Mr Meek : Re-discovering a lost art
Creator
Luxemburg, Joan
Date
2016
Type
Text; Thesis; PhD
Identifier
http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/157568
Identifier
vital:11648
Identifier
https://library.federation.edu.au/record=b2687952
Abstract
James McKain Meek was a Victorian-era graphic artist, miniature calligrapher and colonial eccentric with polymathic interests, who fell into obscurity at the end of the nineteenth century. This research re-discovers, re-presents and re-evaluates his body of graphic art. A single lithograph by Meek held in the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s collection generated the research which uncovered a significant body of work in Australia and overseas. Inspired by this re-discovered oeuvre, an exhibition was curated to mark Meek’s bicentenary, returning him to public view. An illustrated companion catalogue, the first scholarly commentary on Meek’s oeuvre, presented a series of essays exploring Meek’s works and situating them in their Victorian context and within a longer tradition of prints. The exegesis, the final element of this project, reflects on the research design, addresses curatorial and related issues, and deepens the examination of Meek’s output. An analysis of key works informed by Word and Image Studies explores his trademark verbal and visual interplay. Valuable research outcomes discussed include the ongoing conservation of works, contextualisation of material held in collections around the world, Meek’s place in the larger narrative of Australian art history, and his legacy. This tri-partite PhD thesis is comprised of exhibition, catalogue and exegesis: these components are complementary and designed to be considered together. The catalogue addresses an educated lay readership and the exegesis is an overarching academic commentary. The exegesis extends and references the catalogue, and both are grounded in Meek’s works, in particular, key works displayed in the exhibition. This research contends that Meek’s work is singular and argues for his re-instatement in the Australian graphic arts canon. His highly individual style and the fact he is local (in his special links with Ballarat and his Trans-Tasman career), make him of particular interest in the Victorian and Australasian contexts.; Doctor of Philosophy
Publisher
Federation University Australia
Rights
Copyright Joan Luxemburg
Rights
Open Access
Rights
This metadata is freely available under a CCO license
Subject
James McKain Meek; Lost art; Graphic art
Full Text
Thesis Supervisor
Jennifer Jones-O'Neill
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