Madeline Prichard

After graduating from Randolph College in 2018 with a Bachelor's in Art History and then later from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021 with a Master's in Art History and Museum Studies, I transitioned into a role as a real estate paralegal. In this position, I refined my critical writing and research abilities, particularly through extensive use of online databases. This experience has allowed me to blend my analytical skills from the arts with practical expertise in legal research, fostering a strong foundation in both disciplines.

After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2021 with a Master's in Art History and Museum Studies, I transitioned into a career in real estate law, initially working as a Real Estate Legal Assistant at Roth Jackson Gibbons Condlin, PLC, from October 2021 to June 2024. In this role, I conducted detailed real estate research and prepared legal documents for land use applications and litigation, supporting attorneys with case preparation. I became proficient in coordinating attorneys' schedules and effectively communicating with clients and local government employees regarding land use matters. Additionally, I managed and archived the caseload of ongoing land use cases, streamlining critical dates for upcoming hearings.

Earlier in 2021, I served as a Curatorial Research Intern at The Anderson Gallery, where I was responsible for collecting student and artist data for the upcoming 2021 M.F.A. thesis exhibition. I facilitated communication between the gallery and artists while collaborating closely with the curator to edit and craft an exhibition catalog, focusing on a succinct and exploratory overview centered around LDS art. I also learned to adapt to COVID-19 guidelines, ensuring public access to gallery spaces while adhering to state-mandated measures. These roles combined to strengthen my skills in research, communication, organization, and critical writing, allowing me to bridge the gap between the arts and legal fields effectively.

During my graduate studies, I delved deeply into the concept of Orientalism, particularly through the lens of art and its role in shaping imperialist narratives. One key area of focus was the aquatint works by Thomas and William Daniell, which I studied in detail. Their art, produced during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, is directly tied to the context of the Third Anglo-Mysore War and broader British imperialism in India. The Daniells’ works, which depicted romanticized and often exoticized views of the Indian landscape, served not only as artistic expressions but also as tools of colonial propaganda, shaping Western perceptions of the East. By studying these aquatints, I explored how art was instrumental in reinforcing the power dynamics of empire, perpetuating notions of Western superiority and the "othering" of Eastern cultures. This research gave me a nuanced understanding of how Orientalism functioned both as an artistic style and as a political force during this period of British colonial expansion.