Date of Graduation
5-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Philosophy (MA)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Philosophy
Advisor/Mentor
Lee, Richard
Committee Member
Stevens, Christopher W.
Second Committee Member
Funkhouser, Eric M.
Keywords
aesthetics; art; chicano; lowrider; philosophy; vehicle
Abstract
This paper argues that lowriders, a style of heavily customized vehicle deeply rooted in Chicano culture, ought to be recognized as a legitimate American art form. After establishing the historical and cultural background of lowriders, this paper identifies a cluster of essential aesthetic features which define lowriders, such as lowered suspension, custom wheels, elaborate paintwork, and opulent interiors. Several paradigmatic lowriders exhibiting these features are then examined against the background of various philosophical definitions of art. The analysis demonstrates that lowriders with their elaborate body modifications and paintwork do align with the essentialist views such as Clive Bell’s formalism and R.G. Collingwood’s expressionism. Lowriders are also demonstrated to align with the various non-essentialist views such as Weitz’ “family resemblance” theory, George Dickie’s institutional theory, and Berys Gaut’s cluster theory of art. Additionally, this paper examines how lowriders may also be admitted as art under the historical-intentional definitions proposed by Jerrold Levinson and Robert Stecker, as well as Arthur Danto’s evolving views. The cumulative examination of paradigmatic lowriders against the various definitions of art supports their inclusion as a legitimate American art form.
Citation
Johnson, C. (2025). The American Lowrider as a Form of Art. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/5711
