Project Director

Tucker, John

Department Examiner

Coons, Jayda

Department

Dept. of Biological and Environmental Sciences

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

Both the federal government and photojournalism have played a substantial role in the “othering” of Appalachia while simultaneously attempting to save it. Examining both institutions demonstrates the exploitative processes that alter the perception of rural communities and their surrounding environment. Stacey Kranitz’s archival exhibit, As It Was Give(n) To Me, internalizes this precarious role of the camera in a region heavily journalized. By inhabiting the area for years, establishing close relationships, and researching the documented history of Appalachia, Kranitz’s work becomes her livelihood in the dissolution of profession vs. personal. She is critical of past projects whose objective portrayal of suffering becomes a fantasy of prescribing a true representation of an exploited, diverse, and complex place. Outside interest defines connections between the community and the natural world in the timeline of environmental law interpretation within Appalachia. Today, there’s a fundamental lack of efficient regulation, so determining the responsibility of authoritative forces like law and photography will be a critical point to address as the energy field adapts to climate change. Kranitz’s work in tandem with legal research blazes a new path towards understanding the relationship between Appalachia and the “other.” Examining the tangible space visual art provides encourages the exploration of attitudes of resident and place, with the subsequent discoveries and limitations from outside forces through time.

Degree

B. S.; An honors thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Science.

Date

8-2024

Subject

Appalachians (People)--Economic conditions; Coal mines and mining--Environmental aspects--Appalachian Region; Environmental law--Appalachian Region; Photojournalism--Appalachian Region

Name

Kranitz, Stacy, 1976--Photograph collections

Keyword

environmental law; photography; Appalachia; mining

Discipline

Natural Resources Management and Policy

Document Type

Theses

DCMI Type

Text

Language

English

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Download

Share

COinS