Past Exhibitions > Senior Moments: Selections from the Senior Seminar

Catherine San Juan
Catherine San Juan

For every story that is told, there is a lesson to be learned. My senior thesis is intended to be a visual exploration of the moral lessons found at the end of each of the fairy tales by Charles Perrault. The inclusion of Charles Perrault’s morals at the end of each of his tales provides the reader with an explanation as to what the story’s true meaning is. This strengthens the reader’s understanding of the text, leaving them with more than just a happy ending (in some cases); the moral lessons have an ongoing relevance that continues to this day. My project depicts, through paper cut-outs of a minimalistic, silhouette style, the crucial event in each tale by conveying the context of each story. The silhouettes and cut-outs reference a folk tradition while delivering a social commentary on the moral lessons taught in society today. In addition to the paper cut-outs is a booklet on the morals of each tale. The project’s purpose is to engage the viewer in a play of color and shape that evoke the pivotal moment in each story.