Past Projects

This dissertation explores the evolution of Saint Sebastian as a symbol of homoeroticism, examining his portrayal in art from the Renaissance to the present. It argues that rather than being isolated to specific time periods, depictions of Sebastian in Renaissance Italy, the Victorian era, and during the 1980s AIDS crisis are interconnected and have influenced one another.

Through analysis of painting, sculpture, literature, and film, as well as key artists like Guido Reni, Keith Haring, and Gustave Moreau, the paper demonstrates how Sebastian’s image has shaped modern LGBTQIA+ art and narratives, serving as a muse and blueprint for queer expression, both consciously and unconsciously.

A technical art history paper on the creation and painters’ practice surrounding the color Virgin Blue, as informed by Cennino Cennini’s treatise, would delve into the historical, artistic, and chemical aspects of this unique color.

Virgin Blue, sometimes referred to as a particular shade of blue associated with the Virgin Mary, is often linked to ultramarine, though there may be some historical variation in terminology.

This paper explores the evolution of masculinity through the lens of art history and media, examining how representations of male identity have changed from Ancient Greece to Modern America. It traces the shifting ideals and social constructs of masculinity as depicted in visual art, sculpture, literature, and media, analyzing how these portrayals reflect and influence broader societal views on gender roles, power, and identity.

The paper delves into how the concept of masculinity has been constructed, deconstructed, and reconstructed over time, offering critical insights into how these changing representations shape and are shaped by cultural, political, and historical contexts. Through this analysis, the paper highlights the interplay between art, media, and societal norms in the ongoing transformation of male identity.

This article is a passionate critique of Supernatural, examining the show's shortcomings in its portrayal of relationships, queer representation, and character development, especially in its final season. The author reflects on their personal experience as a queer viewer, expressing frustration over how Supernatural failed to deliver a meaningful and satisfying conclusion, particularly in relation to its handling of LGBTQ+ storylines, such as the controversial death of Castiel.

The critique compares Supernatural with the Chinese drama The Untamed, which the author praises for its nuanced exploration of trauma and the deep, meaningful relationships between its characters. Drawing on their own experiences with PTSD, the author highlights how The Untamed handles trauma, family dynamics, and personal growth in a way that Supernatural failed to, particularly in the underdeveloped relationship between its central characters, Sam and Dean Winchester. Ultimately, the author argues that Supernatural squandered its potential by neglecting character depth and complexity, while The Untamed succeeded by treating each character's struggles with care and respect.ere

This 9-episode podcast series, created and recorded by Elm McCrummen in 2016, delves deeply into the cultural origins, historical evolution, and modern interpretations of three iconic horror creatures: vampires, werewolves, and zombies.

Each episode is dedicated to one of these creatures, exploring their mythological roots in various cultures, their transformation across time, and how they’ve been re-imagined in contemporary media.

This essay provides a detailed description and analysis of the political and art historical background of the ancient Greek amphora titled Achilles Slaying Penthesilea, attributed to the renowned Attic potter Exekias. The amphora, created in the 6th century BCE, is considered one of the masterpieces of ancient Greek pottery and offers profound insights into the artistic, cultural, and political context of the time.