Video Art: Favorite Things

Watch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m2WJgnTyyM&feature=youtube_gdata
Description & details to come...

Sunday Reflection over Green Tea

Levi'-s- Opioneers! (Go Forth)

Walt Whitman's Poetry 26 four line stanzas used in a series of Levi's commercials directed by Cary Fukunaga and M. Blash in late 2009: http://youtu.be/HG8tqEUTlvs. I have been obsessed with this ad, not for its marketing ploy aspect but the beauty of its cinema, fashion and style.

Against the backdrop of such a powerful voice, using Whitman's words as direction for plot, placed in some of the most beautiful places in the world, in less than a minute such naturalistic, free beauty is depicted. This to me is video art.

Performance Art Project

Originally when brainstorming for a Performance Art idea It was my intent to utilize both a gorilla and chicken suit with some outlandish scene in the middle of campus that would force people to stop and stare, however this comedic act was shallow in meaning and I knew I wanted to dig for more.

 

Then it hit. Monday, April 15th, the Boston Marathon bombings. In the middle of class, the story broke, flooding all social media and news sites, jarring everyone's hearts and minds- from there everything was shaken. Nothing can be related to 9/11, the grandscale of death, pain and tragedy, however in the fourth grade, the depth of the matter was over my head and the fear and pain millions felt from that day and years after, struck a similar chord as I learned Boston, my home, had been attacked. The streets I've walked countless times, the very own marathon I've grown up watching, but most importantly and most chilling of all, the proximity to friends and family. Thankfully my racing mind was relieved with the news no loved onces had been injured, however my heart remained weak and I knew I needed to pour out my passion, love,pain and fear into a performance piece that could pay tribute to the lives lost, the heroes and not only those in MA who had been mentally and physically affected, but the rest of the country, brewing in fear and uncertainty over the multiplying acts of terror. I wanted to remind people of the good in society, the hope, love and peace that we must keep strong to combat the evil.We can't let them win. We need to love harder, live with more appreciation and make it our personal mission to help as many people as possible, to make this world more beautiful so in trying times we're reminded not to give up. We're strong and united and should be encouraging peace. Which is exacty what I decided to do.

Inspired by the culture of the 60s and 70s with protests involving pacifist hippies circling a tree holding signs, I decided to make a big poster board collaged with newspaper clippings of images of the victims of Boston, headings detailing the events and overall, articles, words and pictures that captured the overwhelming amount of ugly in this world. I then decided a symbol, an image would have more effect, capturing attention from the distance so I painted a peace sign, in a cool light blue shade and within the sign included brighter, blissful images that encapsulated serenity and the beauty of life. Within these images I collaged quotes from the Dali Lama and song lyrics promoting peace and love.

I nailed this to the tree directly in front of Sykes, a middle point of campus I believed would capture attention and directly below I left a shoe box with post its, pens, tape and scissors instructing people to leave their own messages of love and support- either in ways they could change the world or how we should live ou lives daily. Once everything had been set up I took a seat on a nearby bench and scouted for close to thirty-forty minutes. The videos are a bit boring besides two segments that show two different sets of girls stopping to leave their mark. Many people, frustrating enough, walked right by completely overlooking it because they were too glued into their phones. I visited again a few hours ater and a couple more post its had been added, and then to my absolute PLEASURE, the next day as I was walking by, fully thinking security would have taken it down already, everything was still there and this time, the tree had a noticebaly greater amount of incredible, heartfelt notes.

This performance art was a more introverted type of reflection, not outlandish and dramatic with costumes and makeup but the idea greatly appealed to me because it related to something I am incredibly passionate about, beyond Boston even, something everyone can share. I wanted people to take a second out of their days, stop and think about the lives they're living and the current events in today's world and what we can do to enrich our lives with peace and love to fight the terror and not curl up in fear. I wanted to convey a sense of support, an outreach and outlet for those in pain, and although the videos aren't highyl entertaining, the build up of notes showed positive feedback and a clear reaction matching my original intent.

 

 

Grid ART- Nitty Gritty Body Image

The extremes of body image and society's role in building norms has always been an issue I've found incredibly interesting. From a personal stand point, I identify with this back and forth identity struggle and the pressures of a woman in today's society to fit a certain standard. We see curvaceous figures like Beyonce's and Shakira, model bodies like Adriana Lima and Gizelle and then, there's the rest of us. The majority of America, overweight due to a culture obsessed with over production and mass consumption.
The idea for this grid art project stemmed deep within my own passions and self doubts. Making up the 900 object grid were countless food wrappers, majority 'fun size' chocolate candy wrappers- purposefully used to pit the irony of their size against their substance. Along with the candy wrappers I mixed in other junk food scraps including friend's food casings from McDonalds and Starbucks. Here and there I placed healthy wrappers from green tea or whole grain pasta, creating an almost 'Where's Waldo' like effect, in search for what's left of the healthy in society, attempting to find middle ground. The food wrappers represent one extreme of society- the over consumption, the lack of self control, and my own sweet tooth, a weakness and craving that I deal with in waves.

Juxtaposed against the backdrop of wrappers, I created the side silhouette of society's 'perfect' woman: slender shoulder, big breasts, small size zero waist and curvaceous behind. At first, I started building this woman, still following the grid structure. Her abdomen made up of a magazine cut outs of the perfect abs, toned and taut or the tiny tummies in advertisements. Building and building, it was difficult to determine the exact dimensions. I would crouch down on the floor for hours on my knees, then get up, look from a different angle, then get back down and re-address the image and keep building. This was my favorite part. I used all magazine cut outs of women's different body parts- it felt like a meat market, how society picks us apart and rates us depending on our parts-" oh, GREAT ass..she's a 10" "did you SEE that rack?!" "motorboat haven" or even worse, the comments made regarding weight, curves v.s. cellulite. I specifically started out piece by piece then as the body got bigger, I start cutting out just portions of different skin tones, curves of the body, and collaging them in segments, placing them to create the lines of the hip or breast bone.

Video Installation: Magnetic Recording

h2g2

The art of oral tradition evolving over time, technologically expanding to improve rich details and vast capabilities, specifically in concerns to magnetic recording shaping the way we use video today.

-sound recording improves post WWII
-rapid recording/playback (two essential tools)
-big names in early development:Oberlin Smith andValdemar Poulson
-1951 magnetic tape for data storage begins
-optical recording: primary competitor

FLASH MOBS

FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS MOVIE
http://youtu.be/sMsLKir1_LI First flash mob scene in Times Square NYC

http://youtu.be/goPvYeQwlPI Second and Final Flash mob scene in Grand Central Station

Pop culture became infused with flash mobs once popularity spiked, as movies and television shows found ways to incorporate the radical mass group dances. In Friends With Benefits, the flash mob ties together the entire romantic storyline with the beautiful mystical back drop of two NYC's most beloved and well known destinations. Another plus about FWB's usage of flash mobs? The ingenious GQ marketing design. I unfortunately couldn't find the video segment after prolonged searching, but in the movie, a TV screen is filled with a mass amount of ant like looking people, different colors, all dancing in a flash mob like motion until the people evaporate until they only make the shape of 'GQ' lettering on a solid white back drop. Eye catching, creative and technology infused.

 PROPOSAL
http://youtu.be/WCM9GOzL9T4

Second example, also tied to romance- a very unique proposal-boyfriend surprises girlfriend at 1:50 by jumping into the flash mob and joining along, dead center and by 2:50, pulling out a ring and proposing, 3:40 she says yes. A little shaky, certainly not professional but LOVE the idea

ORCHESTRA - BREATHTAKING.
http://youtu.be/nmxDRnFRhdk

The faces of all the bystanders, especially children, bewildered by the beauty. Musicians coming from all sides of the streets, congregating in the middle, all in response to one little girl dropping a coin in a hat.

1:34 goosebumps
3:09 my mouth drops open, re-occuring goosebumps
3:39 child shown having climbed on pole to get better view
3:58 the boyfriend motioning with his hands to his bewildered girlfriend
4:24 women lined up singing opera
4:40 little boy dancing and waving his arms overcome with excitement
4:55 picking up tempo dramatically to end- AMAZING.

Gorilla Girls: Guerilla Warefare

 

Who can ignore someone dressed in a giant gorilla costume? Let alone four women broadcasting powerful feminist artwork challenging the public to think differently, making everyone more aware of creatively presented facts that are far too troubling to ignore. These fiesty women are educated and powerful with the sole goal of empowering women, educating society and making CHANGE.

The genius, modernized graphics in sync with pop culture and buried with intelligent political references range from all different angles. A few examples of work I found not discussed in class I've added below:

Such a UNIQUE approach, I've never seen an artist mimic and attack the government in such a creative way. The usage of the scale represents everything the Guerilla Girls work towards. By shedding light on ignored issues, often making hefty political statements and using logos that immediately capture attention and promise reaction.

 

"Bitches, Bimbos and Ballbreakers" ...what more could you ask for?

By shedding light on the stereotypes of females they're empowering us with knowledge to fight back and break the mold. I absolutely love not only the alliteration and word choice but the graphics: bright bubblegum pink with juxtaposed spinning terms all too often used to brand women in society: "girl next door", "stage mom", "catholic school girl", "gold digger"...  If I saw this in a store I wouldn't be able to walk away.

 

Here we have an example of the Guerilla Girls using statistics, a method they often incorporate into their work which is absolutely brilliant because no one can disprove the numbers. It's not just opinion or exaggerated hyperbole as I'm sure those threatned by the art activists would say; by presenting the facts the audience can't argue. In fact, more respect should be given, for these women TRULY care- they do their homework, they're passionate and they fight for what they believe in, hoping to make a change in society.

Abstract Xerox: Look Right Through Me & This Is What You'll See

For this abstract project, the sole point was to decontextualize xeroxed body parts. The process itself was nearly 10x as entertaining as the actual finished piece. Going in, I really had no precise visions, just like the flip book I had ideas wandering through my mind and wanted to allow myself the freedom of free thought.

The most intimidating part of the project was finding a location to xerox my body. With limited options, I decided to use the library. Early morning, I made my venture, thankful to see a fairly empty environment. The only scanners available were at the front of the library so I was forced to confront my ego's pride and paranoia and jump right in- starting first with my hands, then, in between checks to see if anyone was looking, attempted scans of my chest and face.

Miraculously, not even ten minutes in, the nicest woman, Meril, who I later discovered was the library director, acted as my abstract art guardian angel. (I intend on surprising her with much deserved thank you flowers!) As I took just a moment to describe the project to her, she immediately became intrigued and invested in helping the cause, offering to bring me to the back room location where I could not only use the scanner for free, but in PRIVACY.

Here was a woman who knew full well what I needed to do and without question, only genuine desire to help, aided in a process that would have been near impossible otherwise. Left in a room alone, with the occasional one or two faculty coming through, I embarked on my creative escapades, remaining sneaky throughout so as not to get caught mid strip.

Surprisingly, it became difficult to stir new ideas of body parts and positions to copy- even lifting myself onto the copier to scan my behind took strategy to avoid the possible nightmare of breaking the glass and/ or being seen.

After being so exposed to nudity in class and seeing how embedded it is in the art world, I pushed myself outside of the box, beyond my comfort zone, to include my own private parts. The inclusion of my breast, nipple in clear view specifically,  was something that although it appears small, represents a deep vulnerability and bravery- openly revealed to the rest of the world.

As I scanned different parts of my body, I couldn't help but recognize the distinct clarity of freckles, hairs and shapes that are normally overlooked or easily hidden. In a way, once again, it was a reflection of vulnerability as I saw different parts of myself, in their natural state flawed.

Putting the entire piece together, I decided to build upon a wooden crate from Home Depot left over from our grid project. Bound by instinct to make compositions symmetrical, I started out, inspired by PansLabryinth, putting ears on hands as eyes, hair flowing freely from the top, but then I just broke free from the shell and started setting limbs extending out of the box, groping curves and flowing freely with a growing theme of carnal freedom and sexuality. The parts pasted include lips, fingers, hands, arms, breasts, my bottom and hair. I think the image strongly reflects free movement and femininity. The piece is so decontextualized it at first appears entirely chaotic and random but it only takes a second longer to recognize and decode the images.

This entire process was incredibly unique and rewarding and most of all, a push in a new, bold direction to feed my more adventurous self. Art truly is all about self reflection and the power of it's therapy and poetic nature ceases to amaze me. I feel so much more in touch with myself, comfortable and curious, after spending so much time on these projects and studying different movements and periods in class. It's often difficult to make time, but just like writing, art is a passion well deserving of attention, that will only enrich every one's sense of worth and connection to life, at least my own, that I'm sure of.

Tom Geoghegan & Live Art

"Rubbish" & "Strange Fruit"

Decontexualizing, placing himself in bizarre locations in situations and positions that can't help but stir controversial questioning reactions. The city, the park, these areas themselves become Geoghegan's gallery when he inhabits the space with his out of context work.

"Strange Fruit" based of Billie Holiday's song

Instead of a black body, he's dressed completely in white, head to toe, hanging still from a tree in a desolate park. He remains in the pouring rain, an all day endeavour, not moving a muscle, showing the extreme dedication he has to his work. The depth of this symbolism only intensified for me after hearing the original lyrics to the sad, sad song. Geoghegan puts an entirely different spin on a very influential, historically painful time period that applies to everyone. You can tell he chooses what issues to cover wisely and stylizes them in his own unique way.

 Even as "Rubbish" when people pull, poke and kick at his limp body, he remains still. His personal connection to the work is quite inspiring considering his cluelessness to how many people will actually witness his excursions. Geoghegan defines Live Art, far from performance, solely for attacking the audience with a visual that promises a challenge almost as provoking to the mental state.

Live Art: Sheryl Oring's Inspiring Projects

Oring's: iwishtosay.org

LOVE the visually enticing home page setup of Oring's blog and  the overall theme of her works, set to engage the most random of society, stir their deepest thoughts and create feedback to issues by breaking big things down piece by piece, person by person. It's almost as if she tackles the invisible wall between head haunchos and the rest of society by providing outlets to respond to those in power who dictate much of our general well being and the entire state of the U.S. as a whole.

"The Birthday Project"

Such a simple yet ingenious idea! Oring set up a nomadic, portable birthday party for parks and flea parties, dressed in a 1960s party dress and convinced people to send birthday wishes for the president's 60th.
When viewed in class the letters were much more centered on the presidency itself and the turmoil of the county, projecting a more hateful than heartful vibe, nonetheless the idea itself creates this creative intimacy between passerbyers and the country's highest figure.

"Creative Fix" stemmed from 2008's "Birthday Project" as Oring was inspired to ask people what they would do to fix the country if they could do anything at all. In a series of one minute responses people were given the chance to voice their deepest concerns and passions.

People are introduced by name, occupation and location. Some of the videos are overwhelming with people unleashing everything, then again, that's what makes this so powerful and full circle, defines live art, when something isn't being done for performance but for the individual and the questioning of life itself.

Three of my favorites that really stood out from this project were:

"Ryan Alexiev- ban technology on Sundays, the idea: go out and engage with the world and real people"
"Jessica Ingram- encourage the country to slow down"
"Amy Mooney- one of the most immediate things we should do is honor our teachers"

One woman focused her change on the idea of more community dinners, more time with friends, family; an increase of focus on the rich quality of life not the quantity of materialistic goods.

I adore this overall genre of work because it forces people to take a step back and really think about the issues. Two years ago I did a project where I went out into the streets, stopped random students, homeless men, working women, and I asked everyone the same questions, the most important of all, and entire center of the project, "how would you define happiness?"

Such a broad, big picture idea, meant to stir up questioning and reflection, I was excited to find many people, no matter the age or place in life, focused on the same defining answers- the simple things and rich, loving relationships. A few examples of younger generations responded with feedback shallow in comparison to middle aged mothers with children and a greater depth of life experience, but all in all, this project reminds me of Oring's self indulging style of digging deeper and questioning every day life, re-focusing, examining and then responding, sharing words and thoughts that benefit strangers either in sync with your thoughts or completely separate, now with inspiration to think differently and see a new point of view.

Self reflection and awareness of the world we live in leads to much deeper appreciation and in return, far reaching happiness. It's all we can do to connect with others and remain open minded and curious about life like Oring and her subjects are.

The "Beat" Generation

Last class our focus on the "Beat Generation" and war's influence on art, music and literature was incredibly captivating. Seeing the chaos and crisis reflected in abstract expressionists' work like Polluck, Bacon, Dekooning and Rauschenberg moved me but even more so, hearing the spoken word of poets like Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and twisted yet genius, William Burroughs, entranced me.

Visuals and Audio have the universal power to reach into some one's soul, twist their heart, engage their mind and set them off on a trance into the unknown, exploring thoughts they never touched upon before, or sometimes, even more powerfully, putting words or visions to thoughts that have gone hidden and unsaid.

At a point in my life where I'm more aware of the rest of the world than I ever was, and consciously aware of my evolving self, my curiosity to discover more is rampant. As someone who has always felt a pull towards the creative arts, it's a passion of mine to analyze and dig deep. I could spend hours in a museum studying paintings, sketching them, looking for deeper meaning..which is exactly what abstract art supplies.

The pain reflected in this generation, although heavy and unsettling, is beautifully captured. Kerouac especially, clearly out of his mind and in another world, a bottle or two in, is ingenious. His talent is undeniable and his broken words and shambled persona further intensify the message he alludes. This is the collapse of the American dream. Exhausted, burnt out, abused..for some reason, the line "children crying in a land where they let the children cry" really jumped out, perhaps for the sole reason of his purposeful mention of children; the helpless, being left without aid.

Ginsberg was another absolute genius, words flowing from his mouth with such ease and directness, poignant, honest, captivating this upheaval of separation between society and artist and in place of the torn down walls, charging movements to make the private world public, exposing our naked selves.

I feel like I'm in a time of my life where I'm unsure of a lot. The world is radically changing, responsibility of adulthood is knocking right at my door and I as muster the stamina that's under attack by a battle to regain health against a chronic disease that I don't want to define me, the days pass by all too quickly and I'm left gasping for whatever time I have left. I don't know what my future holds and that can be all too stressful for a perfectionist set on nothing but success with the ultimate goal of securing happiness as well. Basically, my mind is constant clusterfuck and although I believe everything in life is what you make of it, I do enjoy reveling in a moment of time where I don't have to be positive and can relate to the disheartened works of this beautifully tortured "beat generation".   It's scary to even say it out loud, to expose myself fully, give attention to my fears and weaknesses- but I'm human. We all are and it's this focus on unveiling oneself that unifies us all, reminding us we're not alone. The closest modern day example I can think of to relate to the Beat Generation's efforts is the book, turned movie, "Perks of Being a Wallflower". One of my absolute favorites that exposes the characters fully with intricate writing and development, making it a classic that everyone can't help but relate to, relish in and adore.

Surrealism: releasing one's imagination

Having originated in the late 1910's and 20's, surrealism became known as a new mode of "automatic" expression with the sole purpose of breaking past all inhibition and releasing one's subconscious thoughts.

Andre Breton, one of the first truly responsible for the movement's outbreak was a poet, critic and trained psychiatrist. The release of his 'Manifesto of Surrealism' in 1924 marked an international movement that spread far beyond art to politicians and intelluctuals.

The psychological connection however is most fascinating. Breton along with others, was highly influenced by Frued's methods of free association, drawing on the private world of the mind to share things typically restricted by society's limitations and norms.
Without dadism a decade earlier and the carefree disregard for tradition that it inspired, surrealism woudn't have the strong foundation that inspired it's radical leaps into the unknown.

I have so much respect for the artists who took the first radical steps in releasing work that they knew wouldn't make sense, that they knew in all likelihood, wouldn't be recieved as well as the typical "normal" landscape or traditional piece.

Dadism and Surrealism inspire an outlook that should be connected to all art work and further more, to all parts of life. Rather than worrying about people's judgements and reactions and editing our performance in accordance to trends of society. we should produce and perform what we're most passionate about, without fear of failing to live up to expectations and instead with the sole focus of using creative mediums as an outlet to free ourselves.

One of Doctor Suesse's infamous quotes rings a bell in this instance:

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter"

Surrealism is all about letting go and seeing where your mind, or pen and paper take you, which I love because for years and years I've been a doodler and in times where I have no idea what I want to sketch or paint, I'll just start with a few strokes and let my mind go free. It's calming- I can fully see the connection to psychology and from this, the creation of art therapy.

Video Games & Violence- an empowered union?

The focus on violence in our culture is undeniable; splashed across television screens, movie theaters, detailed in books and of course, centralized as a theme in all popular video games. Everything is more realistic and bloody than ever. Our culture has become white washed to the graphics and all too real plot lines, however, the controversial theory that violent games are influencing society's members to plot and perform mass shootings such as Columbine and Newtown, remains flawed without signifigant evidence.

 I believe if you sit one young male down to play Call of Duty, Mortal Kombat, World of WarCraft, Grand Theft Auto, whatever, you name it, for two hours and you sit another boy down to play racing games for two hours, the first test subject will absolutely have fueled aggression. The sole purpose of the game is to hunt and kill and with flashing images across the screen of blood, guts and warefare, with fingers pressing buttons in a matter of life or death urgency, the blood gets pumping and the mind focuses solely on the task needing to be performed.
Imagine this boy, as many in our society, has been playing games like this since the age of eleven. If this is all he does, if he already has a mental condition, absentee parents, little to no friends and a displeasurable school experience, it's no wonder the bombardment of violence could shape and stir twisted fantasies.

For the rest of the population however, those who play these games in moderation, along with others and a life filled with other activities, clubs, relationships, well, they're able to separate illusion from reality, game rage from common aggression. In fact, video games can be used as an outlet to channel aggression safely- and as many studies have shown, those who play are more likely to have outstanding hand-eye coordination skills.

I believe video games are not to blame, the real issue with the weakest links and criminals of society is their already broken minds.  The banning of video games or weapons won't fix the mentally disabled; numb to feeling and understanding of right and wrong, it  won't stop them from finding some way to act out their rage.

I believe the media empowers people and gives the wrong idea by promising the idea of attention and fame, especially to the most violent. Mental health attention and involved families or friends is the real fix, not unrealistic bans.

Here are just a few stats to close it out:

65% of households play computer or video games.
The average game player is 35 and has been playing for 13 years.
94% of video games report their parents are present when they purchase their games.
Comp and video game companies employ more than 80,000 people in 31 states.
In 2006 the Ent. Software Industry's value added 3.8 billion dollars to U.S. Gross domestic product.
40% female, 60% male
63% of parents believe the games are a positive part of their children's lives

A Generation of New & Old: 1401 Room

The idea of having a museum dedicated solely to the first few generations of massive machinery is genius. It's frankly comical and unbelievable looking at the size of these machines that look like they should be from way before the 60's- the transformation in a matter of a few short decades is unreal.

Room 1401 simultaneously provides historical context and appreciation, especially to those from younger generations who have grown up with flat screens, smart phones and kindles. 

I was surprised to learn that Robert Garner and his team only meet once a week to repair and revive these models. 

"The WITCH aka the Harwell Dekatron" from 1963 looks NOTHING like a computer. Built with gas tubes and mechanical relays, it looks like it could make a successful barricade for in battle combat. 

I was happy to see Charles Babbage, a familiar name, and his "Engine Number 2" showcased in London, as well as Colossus mentioned, a huge machine we focused on in class as a game changer in history.

I can appreciate the idea of this museum and all that it represents, in fact I honor it for educating and demanding more of the country, however I frankly would much rather plunge deep into an art or history museum. I don't think I would pass up the opportunity to miss this showcase though- very unique and much needed! Especially for the little boys and girls born within the past 10 years who will grow up in a completely different mindset, thinking touch screen is the norm.

Zuckerburg, Gates and Dorsey: Live Up the Tech Life!

"Addition, subtraction, that's about it" Yeah right, Bill Gates! Writing your first computer program at 13 to play tick-tack-toe...

I completely see where theses genuises are coming from however, these innovative skills are in high demand in today's constantly evolving high tech world.

Watching this, I'm wishing my brain operated in the way where such an idea wouldn't be so out of reach. As Gates comments on our education sytem, our economy, our world state, as weakend- it all ties back to the solution of fixing our academic foundation and empowering it to be the best.

Money is such an issue. Even if someone has the burning curiousity to delve deep into life and teach oneself, they could very well shy away from taking the leap because a college education and further down the line, grad school, overwhelms one with debt.

Most of the time, men are born with this unnatural intelligence and it can't even be taught to a fresh slate. Sure, powerhouses and businesses can try to create little minions that are 1/3 the level of their own tech savy skill.

The mention of the causal work enviroment in the article: "working at a deep-pocketed tech company, where employees get free food, work barefoot and skateboard around the office." reminded me of the offices shown in "The Social Network" and "Friends with Benefits" in which case, life would be unreal and I would say, sign me up.

I get that these creators are trying to inspire, and I support their mission to teach things that the school system overlooks, such as the useful knowledge of decoding- however not everyone, and I speak for myself when I say this, is born with the understandign and ability to go into that field.

I believe it's like Art- you're born with a skill level. Anyone can create and imporve with practice, but it takes a true, born artist with talent to create masterpieces and turn it into a career.

Carmen, Alt. Dance

Let's just say this was the last thing I was expecting. Opening scene, It seems like the man is a reincarnation of Steve Carroll's 40 year old virgin, living at home with his mother making awkward youtube videos, but then all of a sudden it seems like a nursing home, and then the wall is peeled away to reveal people in black leather costume- the woman pulls the shade, and the man changes character- into a woman, then once again, back into a man, at 2:28 is where things really start to pick up. Breaking the fourth wall throughout the entire video, the camera takes in the club scene and the variety of characters, then once again leads back to the 40 year old virgin character, staring straight at the camera, in an old fashion type home with his mother.

SO, are we led to believe these are the dreams he fantasizes about? Dub step clubs with outlandish characters?

Once again, an evolving piece that resembles someone's acid trip, I'm tempted to connect the layering of transitional characters to BLU BLU.

I've heard Carmen countless times before but to August's credit, this piece is entirely original.

BLUBLU "Muto"

 I’m fascinated by the filming techniques used for this video.  A strange, trippy concept, you have to keep an open mind as the funky music follows the evolving graphics. Alien cartoon creatures, form into objects and then structures and creatures once more. The people walk by, blurs of motion, unaware.

I don’t understand what’s happening- large hands reaching down to open up a giant crawling baby like a hot dog, pulling out a diamond that once again becomes a grown figure, giving his head to the large man who started it all and continues to evolve once more- head spinning, drifting until he’s peeling layers and layers back in the most bizarre fashion- like the FBI agents in Men and Black who end up being Aliens undercover. The baby crawls along the wall like a spider, making a nest, hatching eggs of falling heads- once more, turning into a skeleton and then the same figure again.

This act of layering and full circle animation is entirely bizarre but you can’t ignore the genius creativity. There’s monumental layering, a focus on creatures crawling, transforming constantly- you can’t peel your eyes away from the screen, in fear of missing some crucial step of this bizarre evolution.

I can’t help but think some incredibly talented person had all these visions on a crazy acid trip. I wish I could understand the process of filming more, because the techniques used as well as the additional notes of music, really united the piece. I can see how this would be inspiration for the flip book project!

Alan Turing

http://www.nndb.com/people/952/000023883/ 

1912-1954

Mathematician, Visionary & Courageous Individual

 Timeline of Life Events:

(Source: http://www.turing.org.uk/turing/)

1912 (23 June): Birth, Paddington, London
1926-31: Sherborne School
1930: Death of friend Christopher Morcom
1931-34: Undergraduate at King's College, Cambridge Univers1932-35: Quantum mechanilogic
19351936: The Turing machine, computability, universal machine
1936-38: Princeton University. Ph.D to Cambridge. Introduced to German Enigma cipher machine
1939-40: The Bombe, machine for Enigma decryption
1939-42: Breaking of U-boat Enigma, saving battle of the Atlan945: National Physical Laboratory, London
1946: Computer and software design leading the world.
1947-48: Programming, neural nets, and artificial intelligenc49: First serious mathematical use of a computer
1950: The Turing Test for machine intelligence
1951: Elected FRS. Non-linear theory of biological growth
1952: Arrested as a homosexual, loss of security clearance
1953-54: Unfinished work in biology and physics
1954 (7 June): Death (suicide) by cyanide poisoning, Wilmslow, Cheshire.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/people/alan_turing

Clearly, an intelligent man and gift to the world, Turing's mind worked in ways many could not comprehend. His educational background and ways he reformed mathematics and coding through history in his lifetime are extremely impressive however it's the more personalized side of the genius and ultimately his sad loss of life that resonates a deeper connection within. For a man of such great stature and intelligence in society to still be bullied to the point of suicide because of his sexuality shows how vicious the world can truly be and is further inspiration for current day individuals to fight for the freedom many like Turing, still feel lost without. Imagine what more he could have given to the world had it not been for his unfortunate ending. The fact that he's not only still recognized for his visionary works but bravery in being HIMSELF is a path that I believe he and many others would be proud to have left behind; making a difference as martyr for a deeper cause.

Clockwork Orange's 'Dancing In The Rain'

An interesting note: http://collider.com/malcolm-mcdowell-a-clockwork-orange-singing-in-the-rain/

Following five days of shooting, changing the furniture, trying every which way to inspire a drought of creativity, the question was asked..."can you dance?" Immediately spawning, an improv singing performance of "dancing in the rain" as a humorous joke, leading to, in the words of Malcom McDowell "perfection".

Sick and twisted perfection indeed, the addition of the song to such a stingingly graphic rape scene adds phenomenal contrast and memorable shock value.

"Singing In The Rain" originally entered the stage in 1952 in a light heartfelt American musical comedy. Although the film received minimal recognition, the song took off and transformed into a timeless piece that has followed every generation as an immediately recognizable tune connotating pleasure and happiness.

McDowell's decision to take such a wholesome song and use it as a tool in an incredibly vile scene only enhanced the audience's uncomfortably, which I believe was his main goal. Although I've never seen the movie in full, everything I have heard and seen depicts a very dark plot line. From the snippets we watched in class I was able to get a better feel for the context of the era and the outlandishness of McDowell for creating something so original and bravely, disturbing. His inclusion of this song in a way was a test of humanity and power of the scene; to take everything the public knew of the song, everything wonderful, beautiful and wholesome and ENTIRELY taint it in it's inclusion of a horrid rape. It's like commanding the brain to fight off two extremely different impulses; one of comfort in recognizing a familiar tune and the other in disagreement and disdain in the horror of hearing this song in a new light, just like classical music is used against one of the characters in his psychological treatment, connecting it to the crimes he committed and the pain that is inflicted upon him, scarring him to the point where he can never enjoy the music, let alone hear it, in the same way again.

Street Art Around the World

http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/15-massive-street-art-murals

Walt Disney Animations

REALITY CHECK

It's absolutely fascinating to see the physical drawn out process of creating the timeless tales that we all know and love. Pocahontas, Lion King, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast,Snow White, Cinderella- I know all the songs by heart and still get goosebumps at 21 when I re watch. Everything about them is timeless and comforting, a reminder of beautiful life and the nostalgia of childhood. I never would have imagined, or rather never took the time to think, about just how challenging the process of starting out would be.

The night and day shifts of workers, conferences looking over the stories, directors finalizing the script and dialogue, then acting out the actions as the musical score is produced so they're perfectly in sync..

A little trick I found to be highly humorous and clever was the usage of a mirror to capture facial reactions while the artists were illustrating their cartoons- once again, to make sure the final product was absolutely perfect and nothing but stunningly life like.

Once the animations were made, they were tested via this little projection device and then the coloring process came into play. One of the most clear characteristics of Disney movies is the COLOR that brings the film to life. Without it, the dancing, the singing, the gestures of love, the struggles against evil, would all be bland.

To see the factories women worked in coloring the drawings and hearing the man describe them "the prettiest women in air conditioned spaces" it sounded like the most sacred of tedious yet glorifying jobs.

Then in the final stages, the images would be taken to a studio paint lab where more than 1500 shades of color would be used and finally photographed by the master camera in Technicolor.

Snow White, Disney's first production consisted of more than 3 million paintings and cost 1.5 million dollars- and broke every box office record.

What a legend to leave behind- I've always appreciated and adored Disney's films but understanding how animations first started out and learning about the process of filming and producing makes me that much more in awe of the beauty and idea that we ever could have lived without it. To see the transformation from the early stages up until now is jaw dropping- you have to wonder what will come next just 10 years down the road.

Le Voyage dans le Lune- Melies

Dominant elements of Melies' production include the well synced orchestra matching the series of actions and detail of black and white design. There is no sound beyond the music yet the progression of what's going on is always clear for the most part.

Looking back at Emile Cohl's animations and the early beginnings of Felix the cat and quick sketches we watched in class, it's incredible to see the rapid transformation of quality and talent in such an exhausting process.

We take the process of creating a film for granted, imagining it's construction appearing with a click of the pen but in actuality, the time, effort and skill that went into the first artistic acts are spell binding. We see this in the video showcasing Walt Disney's transformation of cartoon animations and here in Melies' short movie. The variety of scenes, from earth to space to the bottom of the ocean is incredibly cool.

My favorite part of the video as a whole is definitely when the men arrive on the moon. I couldn't help but watch the entirety of the video and be reminded of the acid trip that is Alice in Wonderland. Below I made note of a few key times showcasing events or details that really popped out.

6:36 Love the change in music, almost ethnic like a tango then it slows as what looks to be snow, falls from the sky, creating this soft, romantic tone.

7:03 Epitome of Acid Trip, similar to Alice in Wonderland, they're in an overgrown mushroom forrest with little creatures jumping out to attack. Genius. Like magicians, they combat the flying monkey-like characters and turn them into clouds of smoke.

8:30 Even in black and white, the detail of the architecture in the castle is so rich we imagine it be stoic gold leaf. The composition in front of this castle with military lined up in their ravishing costumes further enforces the symmetry of the scene.

8:58 TEXTURE of the planet is incredible. The very first thing that pops up and cannot be ignored- the craters in the moon are beautiful and the layering of the land, not just flat but raised and grooved is very life like.

9:56 spaceship falling to the bottom of the ocean

What a transition into a new and exciting place to capture the audience's attention and mystify them! The bubbles, the seaweed, the fish- Melies knows how to paint the perfect adventure.

Broadway Technology cont...

I had a more dififuclt time finding clear examples of impressive technology on Stage Door's blog-  many of the videos dealt solely with lighting, costume and the talent of voice rather than outlandish modernized props and techniques. Due to the difficulty in finding examples on Stage Door I went to youtube as a source. The best example I found was:

 "Rise Above" Spider Man
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3jT6AtYIbw

Web backround splits to reveal live woman in center dressed as spider, hanging from strings with moving legs- bluish, dark lighting accentuates the movement and design of the web. Spotlight focuses on woman's face and man singing down below.

Stage Door Blog: Creative Technology

Assignment: Angel De Quinta's Stage Door Blog- 7 video excerpts showing technology used in a creative way

Man of La Mancha
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LgzXwpePTTU

spotlight following performer across stage
back drop and rusty red/brown costume design for scene, similar complimentary hues
orchestra is simple as the main actor singing remains in focus, matches temp and tone as man picks up pace and enriches emotion.

Annie "New Deal for Christmas"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=sSTm321Is7o

The creative camera angling is a bit hectic along with the simultaneous background music, tap dancing and harmony of children and adult voices reflecting the overall tone and and emotional storyline of Annie.

Side By Side, Neil Patrick Harris, Tony Awards
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kMwotYjG0Ak

Neil Patrick Harris, main focus, once again spotlight follows him across stage; city back drop
Interactive quality of singing with other performers on stage who also converse, making the performance more light hearted and easy going.

Speaks to the message of the song: side by side, as Harris is surrounded and the dancers remain in complete sync with one another.

Ladies Who Lunch, Patti LuPone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvXEQ4lZt8k&feature=player_embedded

I love the clear emotion broadcasted in not only the tone of voice but facial expression. Most of the performances highlight the performer while the lighting and orchestra slyly compliment the gradual changes of the performance, hinting to the audience the developing tone. The purple light, reactions and orchestra become more looming as LuPone drags out her voice in relfection of despair and drunken state. Orchestra builds intensity as she escalates the power of her voice.

Being Alive
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JrRGcu-I5k&feature=player_embedded#t=40s

Singer is  center main stage, two other performers in almost a heckle like state trace back and forth across the stage as the orchestra is beautifully positioned behind and then behind the orchestra, a beautiful gothic architectural backdrop. The effect of conversation/interaction used to break apart the song makes the piece more heartfelt and endearing, adding a refreshment of realism.
Julie Andrews, Camelot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XV24zNLkE8s&feature=player_embedded

In comparison, this performance is quite simple: black and white, fairly bland stage, the orchestra teases along with the tempo of the dancing to hold he attention of the audience.

Robert Goulet, Sir Lancelot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xL52hEArSfM&feature=player_embedded

Just like Camelot, the technology is incredibly simple. Everything is filmed in black and white. The backdrop is far from today's modern developments but it paints the image of a castle, and this soldier whole heartily singing about his love for a woman, unable to imagine when he would be able to leave her. The orchestra compliments the stages of the song and the lyrics and costume are beautiful enough to entrance the viewer without modern day effects.

Minstrel Shows and Josephine Baker

"Blacks and Vaudeville"

To see where African Americans started, dehumanized and performing based off vicious pride stripped stereotypes is incredibly grounding and unreal when we consider how far our evolution of society and entertainment has evolved.

"Shoe shine boy", "Black Face" white masks hiding the color of skin for nearly 40 years, stylized rags, over announced voices- all riddles and gags taken from the Northern stage, highlighting the ignorance of the world at the time.

Just last night, woman of the century, Beyonce performed at the Super Bowl and had EVERYONE obsessing over her perfection, not just effortless confidence and beauty but pure talent: song and dance. So many of our performers that we value and adore are of ethnic descent whether it's African America, Latina or a combination of backgrounds- ethnicity today in entertainment is embraced as something beautiful.

"Josephine Baker: the first Black Super Star"

"Her body was democracy's body- all of the modernist art, poetry, music movements rolled in one dancing body"

Born in 1906, uneducated and poor in deeply segregated times, she became a symbol of liberation and bravery. Danced her way out in the Vaudeville circus, arrived in New York in 1921, just at the start of the Harlem Renaissance, Roaring 20's Era.

Comedy girls at the end of the chorus line- speaks to the charisma, confidence and spirit that made her a natural performer. Called a comedy performance girl, too big not too notice and became the highest paid.

What struck me most was her decision to end her young marriage with Willie Baker, as it's described "she caught the negro fever" and had an unwavering desire to perform.. the pure strength and surge of independence behind such an outbreak is timelessly inspiring but even more honorable as it was such a bold move of the time. Women were made to obey, always belittled, used by men when needed- it's around this time in the mid 20's where women begin to have a surge of sexuality and confidence and become comfortable in their skin. Josephine Baker, not just a woman, but an African American women quickly realized her love and need wasn't to be with someonelse or settle, it was to unwrap her true lively self and go after adventure, that which led her down a path that one could normally only dream of.

Beyonce, Shakira, Nicki Manaj, Jenifer Lopez- these powerfully talented starlets of today's society are the modern day formation of Baker's liberating foundation that made society recognize the magnetizing allure of women super stars.

Madama Butterfly

Madama Butterfly opens with two cartoon characters, on appearing to look like a Ken doll, another a rag doll, in a wide open, peaceful place, making mad passionate love to each other. They lay together for a short while then the male picks up and leaves, giving the female his hat, promising his safe return and devoted heart.

As she waits and waits, the sky, a reflection of her hope, heart and desire grows dark and gloomy, also representing the change in time. We see a strange animation of a fish, trapped in a fishbowl, glass finally breaking and swimming free, this represents the woman's birth to their child.
The evolution of time is shown once again through the growth of the child until one day, the woman sees a ship vessel with her lover in the distance.

Her heart leaps in expectation and longing but as the night carries on and she sees the vessel, lit with much excitement and festivity, this is the first sign of foreshadowed rejection.

Finally the next day, her long lost lover arrives....with Barbie and ten other kids in tow of a beautiful convertible. She waits, arms outstretched but the man rips the child away, in the process, breaking the chord, presumably the umbilical chord, connected from mother o child symbolizing Madam Butterfly's very own life and last hope.

From this point on we see her downfall; escaping to the dark, first peeling off her face, then entire body, showcasing a bare skeleton, this is all that's left. She then begins to chop off her individual body parts one by one, symbolizing, that every part of her is broken. The screen goes dark as her body rots away and what's left is carried off by the wind, only to form a butterfly, which then appears on a fresh new body, perhaps in Heaven.

THe cartoon version is very different from other adaptions but the animations and power of the music still detail the vivid heartbreak and breakdown of wretched love and lost hope rotting away the soul.

The Birth & Life of Opera

"I am Music. I calm every troubled heart. Now with anger. Now with love. I can inflame the coldest mind."

The effect of music on the human mind and heart is powerfully timeless. As John Adam's, director of "Nixon in China" puts it, Opera is the ideal art form for dealing with BIG issues, more so than the average film or novel which is too realistic.
You can't help but get goosebumps every time you hear the chilling scales of heartfelt pleas and see the performer's faces, rich with emotion, eyes flooded with passion as their voices magically grow stronger and stronger.
The dramaticism of Opera, the intertwined mediums of poetry, song, music, dance, design- make it a magical art form to become lost in. Opera is a much deeper experience, spellbindingly RICH with heartfelt  excitement and passion. It's a safe haven for people to unleash their minds and let the unfolding stories comfort their hearts which have endured similar trials and tribulations.

Howard Goodall's production of "The Birth and Life of Opera" beautifully tells the evolution of the form and details just how much it influenced and continues to mold and thrive in ever changing society.

As Goodall describes in the opening, "Opera is unlike any other because it is "the form in which music interfaces with the real world. The history of opera is stained with the blood of revolutions".

We see Opera as a National Identity. Born in Florence 400 years ago, brought to Manchua to flourish under the direction of Monteverde, it was the 1607 production of LorFeo that rocketed Opera to success.

The story of a husband traveling to the underworld to save his wife and bring her back, using only the charms of his magical voice, symbolized a human manifesto: our creation of beautiful things in society can bring us closer to divine perfection.

As Goodall's documentary unfolded I was not necessarily surprised, but still slightly taken aback by just how connected opera was to the political world. A MAJOR influence in history, used as propaganda, the cause for outbreak in societies, the inspiration for liberation and deliverance, and still to this day, a classic art form of society where people go to enrich their minds, melt their hearts and escape their woes.

I agree with Goodall's point that Opera is he parent of musicals and the two work well together, not against each other. Musicals are the first step leading to the appreciation, acceptance and admiration of the final destination, Opera.

In today's society, even if we don't actively view shows, the magical songs follow us so we can't help but recognize familiar pieces. I'm loving that I'm learning contextually, more about Opera and can recognize the songs that never fail to give me goosebumps or bring me to tears.

Blinded By Baroque

We are immersed in a new Baroque era without even realizing it; dramatic styles of art, architecture, fashion and even edibles magnetize our very own eyes. Impossible to ignore, the outlandish design is intricate and spellbinding. Pinterest, the best visual search engine out there to catalog online is FILLED with images from all over the world. I've included some of my favorites representing the areas where Baroque is most present.




LOVE the Goldleaf 3D design

The bright colors and baroque design accent eachother nicely.





All OVER Europe & In most museums, we see BEAUTIFUL cathedral ceilings with jaw dropping arcitechture, paintings and carvings, leaving the viewer in absolute awe of something so heavenly.




Lady Gaga Attire.

Carrie Bradshaw goes Extreme

Baroque's version of lawn nomes and pink flamingos.

Introduction

My name is Alexandra Loring, nickname since birth: Lexi. I'm a Communications Major, Writing Minor interested in pursuing a career in either Broadcast Journalism or Public Relations, but frankly I would be most happy traveling the world for a living ( wouldn't so many of us) if it were practical.

I've grown up immersed in art with an appreciation for the little things in life that are too often overlooked. This is due to not only personal struggles and health challenges but how I've been raised and my sensitive side by nature. I'm very passionate and aware, always digging deeper and looking to soak up as much of life's beauty as I possibly can.

Travel, literature, art and text have always magnetized me. From a young age my Aunt, a very talented artist, inspired my interest and still does to this day in all things artistic and culturally enriching.

My perfectionist mentality often battles with the bubbling artist inside of me. I think extremely visually. I see compositions wherever I walk, whether it's related to landscape or portrait- I'm often snapping away or jotting down thoughts. Quite often my thoughts or too elaborate and I don't give myself enough time with pen or pencil to enscribe or detail and shadow the series of events.

Art to me is a therapy, a release, and the best way to be in touch with not only yourself but the rest of the world.

Creative by nature and constantly learning, I'm excited to take this course, not only because it was an appealing Honors option but even more importantly, because it pertains to a timeless and fascinating subject while also discussing the modern twist of developing technologies.

I'm much more hands on with art; I don not have much practice with graphic design but I thoroughly enjoy writing, photography, sketching, charcoal, molding, collaging and acostic painting; I'm always open to new ideas and mediums and I'm looking forward to learning about the evolution of multimedia and transformation of art over the ages.

I have a full semester of credits and know that this COM 211 H, Art & Tech class will do wonders paired with my COM 390 H Ethnicity in Film & Lit and COM 350 Sex and Seduction of Early American Literature. I already see a lot of overlapping themes that I'm excited to interconnect to get the most out of what I'm learning.