Here, a thesis for hurt feelings.
Therapist: What are you writing about?
Patient: [laughs] Good question!
Therapist: [waits]
Patient: Um . . .
This thesis explores moments of back-of-the-neck prickle, when we are visited by things that promptly and vaguely request our attention. What can we offer those moments? How do we respond to visiting fragments? This thesis begins with, tries to abandon, ideas of Ireland and real(ish) place—moving instead through mythological religious time, emotional sediment, fairies, graveyards, adolescence, maladaptive daydreaming, serious make believe, and mice.
Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Arts, Department of Visual and Critical Studies, The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 2022.