I didn’t really know what to expect from the play, but it was definitely different than any play that I have seen since my Centenary experience began . Visually, the set was quite simple: it consisted of fencing and benches as to resemble the outdoors of a school. The acting was incredible; Rachel was fabulous as she has a strong voice and is passionate in everything that she says and does. She was believable and interesting. I missed seeing Nate Wasson, but I heard that he was incredible; I have no doubts that he was.
Visually, the crosses added an interesting effect; they were real people who developed and collapsed when they needed to be present. They represented the deaths of real people, and interestingly enough, they were played by real people. I don’t know why, but I really liked when the “crosses” climbed up the fence and got onto the roof of the set. Perhaps it’s because their silhouettes were captivating…I’m not sure, but visually, it was one of my favorite parts of the play.
On a different note, the play introduced the idea of being under constant surveillance, which definitely is related to visual culture. How do we feel about being under constant surveillance, and how will it change the way we look at the world? An interesting thought to ponder. Would people act the same if they knew that they were being constantly watched? Would you go crazy? I know that I would take on a different aura, a different personality, if I were under constant surveillance, and, yes, it would drive me crazy eventually. For me I can compare it to being watched performing a dance when you don’t quite know it well enough. You don’t know what the other person is going to think, and you are worried about their reaction if they see you mess something up. Our world is moving toward this idea of being under constant visual scrutiny, and I don’t know it we have really weighed out the pro’s and con’s. Perhaps we should think about it a bit more before we become so totally sold on something…
A big pat on the back to those who performed and those who worked on the technicalities of EchoBOOM. They did a fantastic job.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Marketing and Visuals...
Why does a visual picture sell a thought or an idea so much more? This is what I have been asking myself since I got off of work today. There is a new thing at the Boardwalk called EuroBungie, and in order to encourage people to participate, they are creating posters for advertisement. Makes sense of course, but on this poster, guess who you will see jumping on the eurobungie? ME! They wanted a picture of me having fun on the Eurobungie in order to encourage others to do it, something that makes me realize how important pictures are in advertising. They want a picture of something thoroughly enjoying the activity…which then leads me to wonder, how did they market something before pictures and posters came along? World of mouth is the only thing that comes to mind. How much MORE effective is advertising now that it was 100 years ago? How similar are the advertising techniques? What is the history of advertising, and when did it become so important in today’s society? We wouldn’t be able to c
People Watching...
One of my favorite past-times is people watching. What better way to spend a relaxing evening than at a fraternity house with a whole lot of drunk people who are doing things thinking that no one is paying attention to them, things that they would not normally do or at least think twice about before doing. All the girls who act like little hookers…why? Would they normally do it? And I’m sure that, while they may not realize it at first, they have to eventually realize that they look like little hookers and would stop. But they don’t. And they think that people think that they are cool when really people are laughing at them, wondering what the hell the girls are thinking. It is an interesting cycle of consciousness. How do I feel about visually watching a little hooker? Well, obviously I could be a little hussy too but simply choose not to. It’s always easy to become a tramp, but it is more difficult to erase that image that people have of you. So wouldn’t you want to be careful of the image that you create?
Texas Street Bridge at night
Why did they decide to put tube lights on the Texas Street Bridge, and where are these lights getting their power? And when the bulb goes out, who is in charge and says, “It’s time to change the bulbs”? I am curious about these things, but one thing is for sure, this bridge at night-time is definitely one of the more visually interesting things that Shreveport-Bossier has to offer. From the I-20 bridge, it looks like rods of light hanging in the air. I remember being really small and asking my mom about thelight-up bridge, only the colors of the tube lights were all different colors then, and now they are mostly that red-orange color. So why did they decide to go to one color? Didn’t the many colors make the bridge much more interesting? I think it did. So why did they bland it up? SOMEONE ANSWER MY QUESTIONS.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Stained
An Escaped Image performance is coming up--THIS weekend in fact!--and one of the dances in the performance is entitled "Stained." It is important to name your dance appropriately as the name of the dance is supposed to be an indicator of what movement can be expected. In Stained, three dancers begin on the stage with black, brown, and white paint already staining their bodies. Each dancer represents some type of issue that people face, such as pride and social anxiety. Half-way through the piece, three more dancers hit the stage, and these three dancers have paint on their hands. The paint on the hands is a brighter color than the black, brown, and white (the colors are red purple, and green) and the three "new" dancers stain the initial dancers even more.
The purpose of the piece is for the audience to realize that certain things of the world stain you, some for good and some for bad. There is always an effect of these things, and the circumstances will leave their marks on your forevermore.
Dance is an incredible art in that everything must be stated via movement and appearance. Words are generally not spoken (although they sometimes can be). So this means that the movement and the appearance, or the visual elements, but be incredibly strong and story-telling. The paint on the young ladies tells their stories, and their movement tells their issues. What a beautiful aspect of visual culture it is. Come to the concert on April 26th @ 8:30 and see for yourself!! :)
The purpose of the piece is for the audience to realize that certain things of the world stain you, some for good and some for bad. There is always an effect of these things, and the circumstances will leave their marks on your forevermore.
Dance is an incredible art in that everything must be stated via movement and appearance. Words are generally not spoken (although they sometimes can be). So this means that the movement and the appearance, or the visual elements, but be incredibly strong and story-telling. The paint on the young ladies tells their stories, and their movement tells their issues. What a beautiful aspect of visual culture it is. Come to the concert on April 26th @ 8:30 and see for yourself!! :)
Monday, March 31, 2008
The Photograph Chapter Three
The Photograph Chapter Three
The three main levels of the photograph:
1) Mechanical Photography: photos which aim at a simple representation of the objects in which the camera is pointed.
2)Artphotography: the photographer aka artist decides to diffuse his mind into objects by arranging, modifying, or otherwise disposing these objects so that they appear to be in a more beautiful manner
3) High-Art Photography: consists of certain pictures which aim at a higher purpose than the majority of art-photographs, and whose purpose is not merely to amuse but to instruct, purify, and ennoble.
The photograph on page 44 is said to have cause a minor scandal because it was faked; how funny…how many things are faked these days anyway? MOVIES are faked…how would these people feel about that? And fashion photos are posed and faked; what would people from the 1850’s say about that?
The three main levels of the photograph:
1) Mechanical Photography: photos which aim at a simple representation of the objects in which the camera is pointed.
2)Artphotography: the photographer aka artist decides to diffuse his mind into objects by arranging, modifying, or otherwise disposing these objects so that they appear to be in a more beautiful manner
3) High-Art Photography: consists of certain pictures which aim at a higher purpose than the majority of art-photographs, and whose purpose is not merely to amuse but to instruct, purify, and ennoble.
The photograph on page 44 is said to have cause a minor scandal because it was faked; how funny…how many things are faked these days anyway? MOVIES are faked…how would these people feel about that? And fashion photos are posed and faked; what would people from the 1850’s say about that?
The Photograph Chapter Two
The Photograph Chapter Two
“The photograph is itself the product of the photographer.” Sometimes I think we forget this when we are looking at photographs. There are certain things that the photographer wants us to get out of the photograph, and most of the time we will not get out of it what he or she intended. But it is all about expression. And the beauty of art is that everyone can get something entirely different out of it—can have a different emotional reaction to the work and really feel a bit more fulfilled. I know I compare a lot with dance, but I really think that that is the beauty of dance. Every piece has some purpose, some story to tell, and for every viewer, a different story will be told. How beautiful.
It is also interesting to note the terms denotation and connotation. Denotation is what the picture actually contains—the literal things in the photograph. Connotation is the symbolism involved in it, what the denoted things stand for; connotation can also involve things such as gesture, attitudes, and expressions. I love the picture on page 31 with the couple and the child playing in the background. The woman seems to be relaxing, to be soaking up the sun. The male seems upset or stressed out about something. His body language reminds me of a child (the way his feet are facing inward). The child in the background seems oblivious to the lives of his parents, not unlike many children today. The backyard is very large (not something impressive but something that I did notice immediately).
The way that we view a photograph is the way that we view the world in cultural terms. A different person from a different part of the country or world will see something TOTALLY different in a photograph. Who would have thought that where we live would cause a difference in the photos that we prefer?
“The photograph is itself the product of the photographer.” Sometimes I think we forget this when we are looking at photographs. There are certain things that the photographer wants us to get out of the photograph, and most of the time we will not get out of it what he or she intended. But it is all about expression. And the beauty of art is that everyone can get something entirely different out of it—can have a different emotional reaction to the work and really feel a bit more fulfilled. I know I compare a lot with dance, but I really think that that is the beauty of dance. Every piece has some purpose, some story to tell, and for every viewer, a different story will be told. How beautiful.
It is also interesting to note the terms denotation and connotation. Denotation is what the picture actually contains—the literal things in the photograph. Connotation is the symbolism involved in it, what the denoted things stand for; connotation can also involve things such as gesture, attitudes, and expressions. I love the picture on page 31 with the couple and the child playing in the background. The woman seems to be relaxing, to be soaking up the sun. The male seems upset or stressed out about something. His body language reminds me of a child (the way his feet are facing inward). The child in the background seems oblivious to the lives of his parents, not unlike many children today. The backyard is very large (not something impressive but something that I did notice immediately).
The way that we view a photograph is the way that we view the world in cultural terms. A different person from a different part of the country or world will see something TOTALLY different in a photograph. Who would have thought that where we live would cause a difference in the photos that we prefer?
The Big Event
This past weekend, Centenary had the first annual Big Event. The purpose of the event was for the Centenary Community to give back to the Highland Community of which we are a part; the idea-an excellent one-impressed many and the entire event was a huge success.
As a member of the Big Event Committee, on the day of the actual event, I did not do manual labor but instead was a part of a team that checked up on all of the job sites. I went from site to site, making sure that the workers had everything that they needed, making sure that everyone was safe, and making sure that the owners were happy with the work done so far. In seeing many of the work sites several times throughout the working day, it was interesting to see the progression. On the first stop the workers were just figuring out what they needed to do and getting acquainted with the owner--we shall call this the before picture. The second stop provided a half-way done picture, and definite progress could be seen. The third stop provided the after picture; we took literal photos so that we could see firsthand the difference between the before and the after, and let me tell you, there was a large difference. So not only did I get to feel as if the Centenary community was making a difference, but I knew that they were for sure making a difference; I got to see before and after pictures.
The most rewarding job site that I visited all day was the site that the Theta Chis were working on; they transformed a jungle back into a backyard. A little old lady with major back problems stated that it was the first time in 15 years that she could really see her back yard. The boys felt so good about what they had done for the woman that they were thinking of returning the following weekend and doing some painting for the lady.
This is the purpose of events like this; to boost moral within our community, to give everything a facelift, and to teach Centenary students and faculty how to truly work together. A big thumbs up to the mastermind behind the event, Holly Williams. Congrats Holly, your event was a huge success!!
As a member of the Big Event Committee, on the day of the actual event, I did not do manual labor but instead was a part of a team that checked up on all of the job sites. I went from site to site, making sure that the workers had everything that they needed, making sure that everyone was safe, and making sure that the owners were happy with the work done so far. In seeing many of the work sites several times throughout the working day, it was interesting to see the progression. On the first stop the workers were just figuring out what they needed to do and getting acquainted with the owner--we shall call this the before picture. The second stop provided a half-way done picture, and definite progress could be seen. The third stop provided the after picture; we took literal photos so that we could see firsthand the difference between the before and the after, and let me tell you, there was a large difference. So not only did I get to feel as if the Centenary community was making a difference, but I knew that they were for sure making a difference; I got to see before and after pictures.
The most rewarding job site that I visited all day was the site that the Theta Chis were working on; they transformed a jungle back into a backyard. A little old lady with major back problems stated that it was the first time in 15 years that she could really see her back yard. The boys felt so good about what they had done for the woman that they were thinking of returning the following weekend and doing some painting for the lady.
This is the purpose of events like this; to boost moral within our community, to give everything a facelift, and to teach Centenary students and faculty how to truly work together. A big thumbs up to the mastermind behind the event, Holly Williams. Congrats Holly, your event was a huge success!!
The Ebb of a Heart's Progression
The Ebb of a Heart’s Progression
We went to dance festival this last week, and it was a week filled with visual culture. Centenary’s own, Anna Maris was chosen to perform in the gala, a supreme honor that is awarded to the best ten pieces of the festival. These top ten are chosen out of about 70 pieces of dance. Anna’s piece is particularly beautiful not only because I know Anna and I know that Anna is almost perfect inside and out, but because it brought with it a beautiful story.
The piece opened up with a rain noise; Anna is center stage with wet hair and a blue dress. There is an umbrella downstage right. Beautiful piano music picks up, and Anna dances a movement that seems to be a struggle between her and the umbrella. She approached the umbrella several times as if to get under it out of the rain but hurries off each time. At the end of the piece, the rain returns, and Anna slowly begins to walk towards the umbrella wringing out her dress as she goes. She does not entirely reach the umbrella before the lights go down, leaving some to the viewers’ imagination.
The meaning of the dance of course is to each his own, but Anna, of course, designed a specific meaning. The umbrella is a representation of God, and Anna had gotten out into the real world and had experienced some unpleasant things (the rain). She knew that the answer to her problems was to get under the umbrella, to seek God, but like all sinners, she had a hard time recommitting to the umbrella. In the end she walks towards the umbrella in acceptance of what is necessary, in humbleness. It’s a beautiful highly symbolic dance, and I could not be more proud of my sweet Anna Banana.
We went to dance festival this last week, and it was a week filled with visual culture. Centenary’s own, Anna Maris was chosen to perform in the gala, a supreme honor that is awarded to the best ten pieces of the festival. These top ten are chosen out of about 70 pieces of dance. Anna’s piece is particularly beautiful not only because I know Anna and I know that Anna is almost perfect inside and out, but because it brought with it a beautiful story.
The piece opened up with a rain noise; Anna is center stage with wet hair and a blue dress. There is an umbrella downstage right. Beautiful piano music picks up, and Anna dances a movement that seems to be a struggle between her and the umbrella. She approached the umbrella several times as if to get under it out of the rain but hurries off each time. At the end of the piece, the rain returns, and Anna slowly begins to walk towards the umbrella wringing out her dress as she goes. She does not entirely reach the umbrella before the lights go down, leaving some to the viewers’ imagination.
The meaning of the dance of course is to each his own, but Anna, of course, designed a specific meaning. The umbrella is a representation of God, and Anna had gotten out into the real world and had experienced some unpleasant things (the rain). She knew that the answer to her problems was to get under the umbrella, to seek God, but like all sinners, she had a hard time recommitting to the umbrella. In the end she walks towards the umbrella in acceptance of what is necessary, in humbleness. It’s a beautiful highly symbolic dance, and I could not be more proud of my sweet Anna Banana.
Founders' Day Convocation
Founders’ Day Convocation
This was a surprisingly good convocation. I am a fan of short and sweet. I know that it was raining on Founders’ Day, but I was really hoping that more graduating Seniors would have shown up to walk. I was disappointed in this. Of course the chor did not let me down; they never do. Dr. Schwab did well in his presentation, and the speaker also did well. I am a bit bothered with the alma mater. I think that everyone should have to learn it. This is a new realization for me. But maybe it would boost school spirit and pride, and I think that this is something that Centenary is in drastic need of. Perhaps this is why not a lot of Seniors did not walk; they did not feel as if they owed it to their school to walk, they did not experience enough pride.
I personally thought it was a bit funny the things that they had put into the time capsule 50 years ago. Did they honestly think that the stuff would last? From what I hear, pretty much nothing survived in the time capsule. This is a bit sad, but people should have used their heads.
It is always interesting to see the faculty cruise around in their full regalia, although I do not know if regalia is the correct word. I love looking at all the colors and the different hats, and it is interesting to notice the order of the professors as it has to do with their time at Centenary. I would like to ask someone that was very near the beginning if they remember when they were last in line. An interesting thought indeed…it shows time’s passage.
Perhaps my favorite part of the convocation was the accent of Dr. Don. I believe that was his first name, and I do not remember his last name. His Wales accent was pleasant to listen to, and definitely made the entire event more fascinating.
This was a surprisingly good convocation. I am a fan of short and sweet. I know that it was raining on Founders’ Day, but I was really hoping that more graduating Seniors would have shown up to walk. I was disappointed in this. Of course the chor did not let me down; they never do. Dr. Schwab did well in his presentation, and the speaker also did well. I am a bit bothered with the alma mater. I think that everyone should have to learn it. This is a new realization for me. But maybe it would boost school spirit and pride, and I think that this is something that Centenary is in drastic need of. Perhaps this is why not a lot of Seniors did not walk; they did not feel as if they owed it to their school to walk, they did not experience enough pride.
I personally thought it was a bit funny the things that they had put into the time capsule 50 years ago. Did they honestly think that the stuff would last? From what I hear, pretty much nothing survived in the time capsule. This is a bit sad, but people should have used their heads.
It is always interesting to see the faculty cruise around in their full regalia, although I do not know if regalia is the correct word. I love looking at all the colors and the different hats, and it is interesting to notice the order of the professors as it has to do with their time at Centenary. I would like to ask someone that was very near the beginning if they remember when they were last in line. An interesting thought indeed…it shows time’s passage.
Perhaps my favorite part of the convocation was the accent of Dr. Don. I believe that was his first name, and I do not remember his last name. His Wales accent was pleasant to listen to, and definitely made the entire event more fascinating.
The Photogrpah Chapter One
The Photograph Chapter One
Thus far, I have enjoyed this book much much more than Practices of Looking. I can honestly say that I have never thought about the first photograph and was thoroughly pleased to get to see a copy of the original in our book on page 12. I think that it may be a characteristic of my generation…not to consider where something came from or the time period in which it originated. The thought of the picture taking hours and hours to reproduce its subject is appalling; now we click the button and BAM we have a picture. I have never thought of the process in any other way.
The photograph can tell more than what it exactly tells. One must keep in mind the choices of the photographer…size, framing, color, type, etc. This can also tell a great deal not only about the photograph itself but also about the photographer, or artist. I learned on page 22 that a portrait is vertical and a landscape is horizontal…the first words that came to my mind: Who knew?
Perhaps the most important idea to consider when reflecting on photography as a whole is that we as a viewer bring the meaning to the picture. The artist can want us to think or notice one thing, and maybe we will get the story or idea that the photographer is trying to display. But the beauty of photography is that each picture becomes a different story for each viewer. For me it is like dance. The choreographer has something that they are trying to relay the audience, but chances are good that the piece will speak to people in completely different ways than the artist intended. This is the beauty of art.
Thus far, I have enjoyed this book much much more than Practices of Looking. I can honestly say that I have never thought about the first photograph and was thoroughly pleased to get to see a copy of the original in our book on page 12. I think that it may be a characteristic of my generation…not to consider where something came from or the time period in which it originated. The thought of the picture taking hours and hours to reproduce its subject is appalling; now we click the button and BAM we have a picture. I have never thought of the process in any other way.
The photograph can tell more than what it exactly tells. One must keep in mind the choices of the photographer…size, framing, color, type, etc. This can also tell a great deal not only about the photograph itself but also about the photographer, or artist. I learned on page 22 that a portrait is vertical and a landscape is horizontal…the first words that came to my mind: Who knew?
Perhaps the most important idea to consider when reflecting on photography as a whole is that we as a viewer bring the meaning to the picture. The artist can want us to think or notice one thing, and maybe we will get the story or idea that the photographer is trying to display. But the beauty of photography is that each picture becomes a different story for each viewer. For me it is like dance. The choreographer has something that they are trying to relay the audience, but chances are good that the piece will speak to people in completely different ways than the artist intended. This is the beauty of art.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Drunk Lady in a Mink Coat
So today I saw something of a paradox. A rish, drunk lady with no makeup, a ball cap, and a mink coat. How bizarre. I couldn't help but like her; how many rich wasted women in sweatsuits and mink coats do you see in a parking lot anyways? And I am not guessing that she was drunk, I know that she was drunk. Her words were slurred, and she had a wine bottle and glass in her hands. It definitely brightened my day.
I don't have anything else to say. I just thought that the women was visually interesting...
I don't have anything else to say. I just thought that the women was visually interesting...
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Thurs, Feb. 7
I love the idea of conceptual art, because part of me really feels like it isn't art. But I guess that I really need to look at it like I look at dance. They are creating a picture with things from their environment, they are not necessarily creating what is in the environment. I love the urinal. What a weird, unartistic idea, and yet it was a hit. Who knew?
I want to think about what makes an artist an artist. Who decides that you are an artist? How do you reach artist status? Am I an artist? I think that I am an artist. I dance. Dance is art via movement, and I am dancing a lot these days. But I also think that all movement is dance-like in nature, whether its a pretty dance or a yuck dance. So when I see someone cross a street, their body language and their gait are telling a story; they are dancing. Are their hands in their pockets? What types of gestures are they making with their hands and what are their eyes doing?
This idea of all movement being a dance and movement in general being a dance makes everyone an artist. I haven't decided how I feel about that yet, but I'll let you know...
I want to think about what makes an artist an artist. Who decides that you are an artist? How do you reach artist status? Am I an artist? I think that I am an artist. I dance. Dance is art via movement, and I am dancing a lot these days. But I also think that all movement is dance-like in nature, whether its a pretty dance or a yuck dance. So when I see someone cross a street, their body language and their gait are telling a story; they are dancing. Are their hands in their pockets? What types of gestures are they making with their hands and what are their eyes doing?
This idea of all movement being a dance and movement in general being a dance makes everyone an artist. I haven't decided how I feel about that yet, but I'll let you know...
Thurs. Jan 31
Freud and his idea of the unconscious. Repressed Sexual Desires. I think that one of the weirdest things that Freud and Lacan did was to destroy all of their files. Why would anyone want to work their whole lives towards something and then destroy all of their work? Why even research if no one will ever reap the benefits? I would like to know their reasonings this action. It makes absolutely no sense to me.
I actually had asked someone a few weeks ago if Madonna's real name was Madonna. I personally am not a fan of Madonna. I think that, while she may be an excellent entertainer, she is very unattractive and at times inappropriate. But I will give her that she is a good entertainer. I enjoyed watching her music video, and I appreciated it more that she did it after a German film. At least it was like many of today's music videos: People being hooches and dancing all over each other. And that is it. That is the video.
In the chapter, I enjoy the image of the frying pan on page 211. It's very different, and it makes one think about what the ad is really about. You have to read the smaller text, which proves that it is a great ad. You WANT to know more about what is going on. So you look. The person who created this ad did an incredible job.
The ad on page 215 is dumb; No Body is Perfect. If that is the theme that they want to go with, then why do they show a perfect body? I hate ads like this. If they wanted to show that no body is perfect, they should have chosen a fat girl.
I actually had asked someone a few weeks ago if Madonna's real name was Madonna. I personally am not a fan of Madonna. I think that, while she may be an excellent entertainer, she is very unattractive and at times inappropriate. But I will give her that she is a good entertainer. I enjoyed watching her music video, and I appreciated it more that she did it after a German film. At least it was like many of today's music videos: People being hooches and dancing all over each other. And that is it. That is the video.
In the chapter, I enjoy the image of the frying pan on page 211. It's very different, and it makes one think about what the ad is really about. You have to read the smaller text, which proves that it is a great ad. You WANT to know more about what is going on. So you look. The person who created this ad did an incredible job.
The ad on page 215 is dumb; No Body is Perfect. If that is the theme that they want to go with, then why do they show a perfect body? I hate ads like this. If they wanted to show that no body is perfect, they should have chosen a fat girl.
Tues. Jan 29
The Mass Media is a drug. What an analogy. Our desire to constantly watch tv or participate in other mass media type activities (chatting online, playing cumb video games online, etc.) keep up from participating in real world organized activity. This section also raises the idea that people who do become so thoroughly involved in mass media become isolated and are more likely to be persuaded and to buy into extreme political views. I think that this could be potentially off. I would think that someone who watched the news all the time would be less easily persuaded because they thoroughly know whats going on and have seen every angle of the problem.
I obviously like history, because I also enjoyed the section on page 174 about the origin of soap operas. Tying your products in with the storyline seems like an excellent idea, and it is also neat to see where programs came from and where they are going.
I enjoyed the Calvin Klein ads this week; especially the "To be or not to be. Just be" ad. I was surprised at how sexual th "Jeans" ad was, and cannot even imagine them running this now much less in the 1990's. Some of the females in the ads are a little bit heavier than I would thought that models for Calvin Klein would be, but I guess that they want curvier girls to sell the sex. Most people don't want to see naked starving people...
I obviously like history, because I also enjoyed the section on page 174 about the origin of soap operas. Tying your products in with the storyline seems like an excellent idea, and it is also neat to see where programs came from and where they are going.
I enjoyed the Calvin Klein ads this week; especially the "To be or not to be. Just be" ad. I was surprised at how sexual th "Jeans" ad was, and cannot even imagine them running this now much less in the 1990's. Some of the females in the ads are a little bit heavier than I would thought that models for Calvin Klein would be, but I guess that they want curvier girls to sell the sex. Most people don't want to see naked starving people...
The awkwardness of watching and judging myself
This past weekend, I went to Orlando for some...public speaking tips I guess you could call it. I was recorded while speaking, and two professionals and I went through the tapes and talked about what I could do to become a more efficient communicator. It was incredibly awkward to watch myself on tv and to hardcore critique myself.
Visually appealing about the community I was in was the quaintness. I got to see the retirement communities of central Florida; that is definitely the place to retire, make no mistake about that. There is a special parking lot in the local Wal-Mart for people to park their golf carts. How fun would that be to take your golf cart to Wal-Mart? There are special golf cart bridges that cross over the big highways so that people are able to get to the shopping centers safely on their golf cart. There are communities of thousands of retired people just looking for a good time. How adorable and different!!
Visually appealing about the community I was in was the quaintness. I got to see the retirement communities of central Florida; that is definitely the place to retire, make no mistake about that. There is a special parking lot in the local Wal-Mart for people to park their golf carts. How fun would that be to take your golf cart to Wal-Mart? There are special golf cart bridges that cross over the big highways so that people are able to get to the shopping centers safely on their golf cart. There are communities of thousands of retired people just looking for a good time. How adorable and different!!
Thurs. Jan 24
Predominant in this chapter is this idea of reproduction and authenticity. I can honestly say this these thoughts have never crossed my mind, so it was a good thought-provoking chapter. Of course it makes sense for the value of something to dramatically increase whenever it is the only one of its type, but it also makes sense for the value of something to go up when it is all over the place. People will now recognize it, and meaning will be associated with it.
The use of depth is also interesting to consider. As a viewer, I do notice the depth and the background before I notice the foreground. And every time I see a picture that has depth like the one on page 112, I think about McDonalds. Random, I know, that McDonalds obviously had a profound effect on me as a child. I think of the way it looked when the mirrors were directly across the wall from each other and it looked as if you were looking into a million different worlds when you were looking into one of the mirrors.
I thoroughly enjoyed the section that was presented on the scream mask. I had always wondered where this weird face came from, and now I know! It was cool to see the changes that the mask has gone through throughout the centuries and know where it is today. It was an excellent example. A big thumbs up to Sturken and Cartwright.
The use of depth is also interesting to consider. As a viewer, I do notice the depth and the background before I notice the foreground. And every time I see a picture that has depth like the one on page 112, I think about McDonalds. Random, I know, that McDonalds obviously had a profound effect on me as a child. I think of the way it looked when the mirrors were directly across the wall from each other and it looked as if you were looking into a million different worlds when you were looking into one of the mirrors.
I thoroughly enjoyed the section that was presented on the scream mask. I had always wondered where this weird face came from, and now I know! It was cool to see the changes that the mask has gone through throughout the centuries and know where it is today. It was an excellent example. A big thumbs up to Sturken and Cartwright.
Tues. Jan. 22
The Sally Mann pictures that we looked at for today were definitely different. I was a bit disturbed with how the little girls were bare chested; it only bothers me because of the major issues with child predators. There are manyy creepy people that get online; I would not want a picture of my pretty little girl to be there just waiting for them.
One particular picture really bothered me. http://www.art-forum.org/z_Mann/Ip/SM_DirtyJessie.htm I felt like this picture was incredibly sexual, and I am uncomfortable looking at it. It is a young girl without a shirt on, and she is touching her chest. Her legs are awkwardly placed and she has on something that looks like a diaper. She also has dirt on her face, something that makes the viewer think of some action that may be wrong-or dirty. I do not like this photograph.
It is interesting to note the changes in art as women became more powerful. Of course many times women still will be placed in the role of being a possession of a male, but the roles are somewhat switching. Men are now the possessions of women also. They are now also shown in a sexual light, as conquests, and as sex gods.
The panopticon also raises important issues. I think that it is actually a good idea, but I cannot imagine having the feeling of being constantly under surveillance, of not knowing when I need to be on my best behavior. It seems like it could let to some major psychological problems...I get annoyed when it feels like someone is checking up on me, much less the possibility of someone constantly looking over my shoulder.
Randomly and lastly, I love the picture on page 102. The two women are so tiny, and it is definitely one of my favorite pictures thus far in the book.
One particular picture really bothered me. http://www.art-forum.org/z_Mann/Ip/SM_DirtyJessie.htm I felt like this picture was incredibly sexual, and I am uncomfortable looking at it. It is a young girl without a shirt on, and she is touching her chest. Her legs are awkwardly placed and she has on something that looks like a diaper. She also has dirt on her face, something that makes the viewer think of some action that may be wrong-or dirty. I do not like this photograph.
It is interesting to note the changes in art as women became more powerful. Of course many times women still will be placed in the role of being a possession of a male, but the roles are somewhat switching. Men are now the possessions of women also. They are now also shown in a sexual light, as conquests, and as sex gods.
The panopticon also raises important issues. I think that it is actually a good idea, but I cannot imagine having the feeling of being constantly under surveillance, of not knowing when I need to be on my best behavior. It seems like it could let to some major psychological problems...I get annoyed when it feels like someone is checking up on me, much less the possibility of someone constantly looking over my shoulder.
Randomly and lastly, I love the picture on page 102. The two women are so tiny, and it is definitely one of my favorite pictures thus far in the book.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Miss America
As the reigning Miss Shreveport, I had the opportunity to go to Miss America and see her crowned firsthand. Talk about an interesting experience. First of all, Miss America was held in Vegas this year, and I had never been to Vegas. I was ready to be super impressed with the city, but unfortunately I wasn't. The architecture was definitely impressive, and the fact that there were millions of people in about 6 square miles was unbelievable, but all in all, I do not know that I want to go back.
Visually Vegas is a sight to behold. Each casino has a different theme; for example, Planet Hollywood takes on a movie/Hollywood feel; the Excalibur is built like a castle and decorated as if in medieval times; and the New York looks like the NYC skyline and even has a Statue of Liberty. These are just three hotels of many. If I were to briefly describe them all, I would be here all night.
The actual pageant itself was impressive. Other than at sporting events, I cannot think of another occasion that I have been to that was nationally televised. During commercials I got to see the "behind the scenes." Girls running around on the stage like someone is chasing them, workers coming out of every drak corner and making some adjustment, and cameras moving around everywhere were some of the things that I saw just to name a few.
Visually I found the stage appealing. There was an array of color and a live dj. Also there were people sitting on the stage. I don't know how I would feel about that if I had been the one performing, but as an audience member, I really thought it was a cool idea.
They have taken the Miss America Pageant from the traditional competition that it once was and have tried to make it into a contemporary reality TV show. I would imagine that they had more viewers this year than last, which all in all is great for the pageant. At this point any publicity is good publicity...although I should probably consider that statement a bit more.
All in all, I WANT to be on that stage next year. The trip was meant to inspire, and because I was literally able to visually see it, I am inspired. I want to be the next Miss Louisiana. June 19 and Monroe, Louisiana, here I come.
Visually Vegas is a sight to behold. Each casino has a different theme; for example, Planet Hollywood takes on a movie/Hollywood feel; the Excalibur is built like a castle and decorated as if in medieval times; and the New York looks like the NYC skyline and even has a Statue of Liberty. These are just three hotels of many. If I were to briefly describe them all, I would be here all night.
The actual pageant itself was impressive. Other than at sporting events, I cannot think of another occasion that I have been to that was nationally televised. During commercials I got to see the "behind the scenes." Girls running around on the stage like someone is chasing them, workers coming out of every drak corner and making some adjustment, and cameras moving around everywhere were some of the things that I saw just to name a few.
Visually I found the stage appealing. There was an array of color and a live dj. Also there were people sitting on the stage. I don't know how I would feel about that if I had been the one performing, but as an audience member, I really thought it was a cool idea.
They have taken the Miss America Pageant from the traditional competition that it once was and have tried to make it into a contemporary reality TV show. I would imagine that they had more viewers this year than last, which all in all is great for the pageant. At this point any publicity is good publicity...although I should probably consider that statement a bit more.
All in all, I WANT to be on that stage next year. The trip was meant to inspire, and because I was literally able to visually see it, I am inspired. I want to be the next Miss Louisiana. June 19 and Monroe, Louisiana, here I come.
MLK Convocation
I was expecting the convocation to be long and drawn out. It wasn't. I was expecting to be unimpressed with speaker. But I wasn't. I loved his presentation and his thoughts. Rather than discussing MLK the entire time, he spoke on the application of Dr. King's lessons into our lives no matter our color.
I did not, however, care for the dancers. It is not because they weren't good and not because they didn't have a message. But being a dancer, I could not appreciate their movement. They needed to work on cleaning it up and making it more concise with the rest of the group. The blue outfits looked nice on them though, and I could tell that they were passionate.
I thoroughly enjoyed the hymn sang at the end. His voice was beautiful, the song was moving, and his passion was contagious. This was my favorite part of the entire convocation.
All in all, I enjoyed this year's convocation much more than last years. A big thumbs up to the person who planned it.
I did not, however, care for the dancers. It is not because they weren't good and not because they didn't have a message. But being a dancer, I could not appreciate their movement. They needed to work on cleaning it up and making it more concise with the rest of the group. The blue outfits looked nice on them though, and I could tell that they were passionate.
I thoroughly enjoyed the hymn sang at the end. His voice was beautiful, the song was moving, and his passion was contagious. This was my favorite part of the entire convocation.
All in all, I enjoyed this year's convocation much more than last years. A big thumbs up to the person who planned it.
Thurs. Jan 17
"Most if not all images have a meaning that is preferred by their producers." This is an interesting concept to reflect on. Of course there is something in particular that they would like for us to grasp from their design or image; how often do we really give it the "correct" meaning though? There is a definite parallelism between images we see and things we say. Our intent is not always correctly relayed. At least in spoken communication, though, we can use things liks inflection and facial expressions.
The few pages in which "taste" was discussed was also thought-provoking. I would not necessarily say that someone with "good taste" had preferences similar to that of the dominant culture. In fact, I would say the opposite. As a girl I am, of course, thinking in terms of fashion. But fashion is an image, so I am going to continue with it. I would say that someone with good taste is something who does not dress like everyone else but instead stands out. Much of it would have to do with choosing things that go with your body type, but there is still a degree of choice after those decisions have been made.
I enjoyed reading about the evolution of the Doc Marten boot. Who knew that they had such a culturally rich background? I wore them in high school with no idea of any previous connotation assocaited with the shoe. Would I have still work them having known then what I know now? Definitely, but it still would have been nice to know then.
In the painting "Olympia," I think it is interesting why the people did not like the painting. Was it because it was a prositute? No. Was it because she was nude? No. It was because she is looking back at the painter. Bizarre!! "Girl with a Pearl Earring" is quite possibly my favorite of all the paintings that we have looked at. I love how she is looking back, and I also love how her mouth is open.
The few pages in which "taste" was discussed was also thought-provoking. I would not necessarily say that someone with "good taste" had preferences similar to that of the dominant culture. In fact, I would say the opposite. As a girl I am, of course, thinking in terms of fashion. But fashion is an image, so I am going to continue with it. I would say that someone with good taste is something who does not dress like everyone else but instead stands out. Much of it would have to do with choosing things that go with your body type, but there is still a degree of choice after those decisions have been made.
I enjoyed reading about the evolution of the Doc Marten boot. Who knew that they had such a culturally rich background? I wore them in high school with no idea of any previous connotation assocaited with the shoe. Would I have still work them having known then what I know now? Definitely, but it still would have been nice to know then.
In the painting "Olympia," I think it is interesting why the people did not like the painting. Was it because it was a prositute? No. Was it because she was nude? No. It was because she is looking back at the painter. Bizarre!! "Girl with a Pearl Earring" is quite possibly my favorite of all the paintings that we have looked at. I love how she is looking back, and I also love how her mouth is open.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Tues, Jan. 15
It is interesting to note the differences between looking and seeing; it is actually something that I have never reflected on. There are millions of images that I look at every single day, but how many of them do I actually see? This is definitely food for thought.
My personal favorite part of this chapter was the picture on page 18 and the commentary that went with it. Perhaps because it was such a trying time in our nation's history, or perhaps because the picture is from a trolley in New Orleans, but something in it speaks to me. The stoic woman near the front of the picture speaks volumes of the sitauation. The children who have never known anything but segreagation are next; they look curious and are dressed quite nicely. The most powerful part of the photograph for me is the black man's face; his eyes scream passion and oppression. In looking at the picture, one is instantly drawn to him.
I also enjoyed looking at the various pictures online. In "The Depths of the Sea," I feel as if the mermaid is holding the man down in the "depths of the sea; the placement of his hands suggest that they are tied. I like that the figures are nude, and I also like the color of the bottom of the sea and the whirlpool effect that looks as if it is taking place at the top of the painting. The slightly blue hue that is evident in the picture reminds one of the environment in which the painting is set. All in all, it is a stunning picture.
In the Escape ad by Calvin Klein, I like the body language of both the girl and boy. However, I feel as if the girl should be turned at a different angle, and that by doing so, she would lose that poochy-belly look. The image is very sexual in nature and definitely captures the viewers attention.
I have always wondered why the "Mona Lisa" was such an important piece of artwork; perhaps I do not understand the complete background of the painting, but I have always felt as if it is greatly over-appreciated. I am simply not a fan. Perhaps if I were to see the painting in real life, I would get a new apprication for it.
This chapter has shown me that there is much to learn in Visual Culture, and I must be receptive if I am going to recall any of it!!
My personal favorite part of this chapter was the picture on page 18 and the commentary that went with it. Perhaps because it was such a trying time in our nation's history, or perhaps because the picture is from a trolley in New Orleans, but something in it speaks to me. The stoic woman near the front of the picture speaks volumes of the sitauation. The children who have never known anything but segreagation are next; they look curious and are dressed quite nicely. The most powerful part of the photograph for me is the black man's face; his eyes scream passion and oppression. In looking at the picture, one is instantly drawn to him.
I also enjoyed looking at the various pictures online. In "The Depths of the Sea," I feel as if the mermaid is holding the man down in the "depths of the sea; the placement of his hands suggest that they are tied. I like that the figures are nude, and I also like the color of the bottom of the sea and the whirlpool effect that looks as if it is taking place at the top of the painting. The slightly blue hue that is evident in the picture reminds one of the environment in which the painting is set. All in all, it is a stunning picture.
In the Escape ad by Calvin Klein, I like the body language of both the girl and boy. However, I feel as if the girl should be turned at a different angle, and that by doing so, she would lose that poochy-belly look. The image is very sexual in nature and definitely captures the viewers attention.
I have always wondered why the "Mona Lisa" was such an important piece of artwork; perhaps I do not understand the complete background of the painting, but I have always felt as if it is greatly over-appreciated. I am simply not a fan. Perhaps if I were to see the painting in real life, I would get a new apprication for it.
This chapter has shown me that there is much to learn in Visual Culture, and I must be receptive if I am going to recall any of it!!
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