Art + Politics 2017

Transcript

1. ART + POLITICS Relief Class Fall 2017 ASSIGNMENT • Presentation of Woodcut: historical, technical, and contextual narrative. • Weekly readings, videos and discussion about the current state of politics in America. • Presentation of sketches created with a political statement in mind. • Transfer of selected sketches to large-scale woodblock. • Technical instruction on wodblock from 600 AD to Contemporary art. • Steamroller printing event: Blocktober. • Presentation and discussion on Manifestos, a written piece to accompany visual artwork. • Preparation for Gallery Exhibition.
2. ART + POLITICS Relief Class Fall 2017 Emily Abood Dylan Bauer William Ballance Maxine Collazo Andrew Curlee Ashanti Franklin Ari Kijanka Redeem Pettaway Bonita Phillips Connor Poovey Ricder Ricardo Ridge Tablada Mimi Tran Kirsten Williams
3. ART + POLITICS Grounding Dialogue Who doesn’t understand fear, abuse, depression, bigotry, and racism? Who never felt the weight of the darkness? Environmental instability, physical disability, displacement, immigration—are all issues that threaten our peaceful co-existence. Some of us feel personally threatened; others are concerned about the safety of our natural environment. Amid so much divisiveness we struggle to find common ground and tussle to practice plurality. It is perhaps simpler to segregate, detach and self-isolate from the ongoing atmosphere of division—but is this the best we can do? The themes in the works presented here are controversial, yet the exhibition is harmonious. How did these young artists find a way to embrace the challenges and candidly discuss the yawning political divide? They established common ground among themselves and their dissenting opinions, learning something about each other, establishing respect for one another as a person, a human being. They imagined the future with individuals from across the political spectrum gaining new understanding and ideas— and possibly connecting in a respectful and open conversation. On the frontiers of developing common ground students used creativity, developed their artistic practice and worked collectively supporting collaborative efforts. This was a great place to start; and these large-scale prints bridged all gaps. Sheila Goloborotko Assistant Professor, Printmaking Art and Design Department
4. Surrounded by nature, social tensions are decreased and we often experience a stronger sense of community and collective action. The emotional relief provided by images of nature demonstrates the vital role of art within a society. The ability to access the world at our fingertips has led to less of an inclination to explore and experience nature for personal benefit. As a result, we are less in tune with our surroundings and less grateful for the resources provided by Mother Nature. • We must recognize the necessity for art in our life, just as we must recognize the necessity for nature in our life. • We must work in harmony with all living beings on earth. This is achieved only through respect, collaboration, and not harming one another. • We must recognize Mother Nature as a nurturing entity who cares for us, and continue to strengthen our connection to her, fostering a profound relationship that is mutually beneficial. • We must strive to achieve environmental sustainability. • We must not fall victim to the lies of our ego, and regard her resources as disposable, or her existence as any less essential to the world than our own. • Only through defining nature can we define ourselves. We must examine nature and her paradoxical, overwhelming, and most of all fascinating beauty, especially when in juxtaposition to the simplistic beauty of the human species. Manifesto: Peaceful Coexistence Emily Abood
5. The mistreatment of people with mental or physical disability has always been problematic. There are still reports of neglect and abuse to people with disabilities. Disabled people are made fun of, ignored, or left out of everyday activities. Their safety is in danger. People with disabilities are being sexually and physically abused. It is easier to abuse or exploit someone you inherently believe is less human, less valuable or doesn’t contribute to society. People without disabilities can easily attack people who do have them out of ignorance. People who are unaware of someone’s disability can come off as insensitive. Choosing words carefully is important because people never know the impact they can cause someone who is sensitive about their disability. People should be treated with equality because everyone deserves to feel safe in a world without discrimination. • Stop the mistreatment of people with disabilities. • Stop the abuse and neglect. • Stop the discrimination. • Make sure people with disabilities feel safe and wanted. • Everyone with a disability deserves to live life to the fullest. • We deserve to be treated with equality. Manifesto: Everyone’s Fitting Together Like a Puzzle Dylan Bauer
6. During a period of political and environmental uncertainty, we are given an opportunity to use the chaos as a cathartic means of unity and to positively redefine ourselves. We are given the opportunity to wash archaic and unproductive ideas out of our minds and lexicons. In recent memory, we saw something as periodic and reliable as a lunar eclipse bring a divided nation together, even if only for a quick moment. Environmentally, we have witnessed disasters on an unprecedented scale that have been met with questionable and benign political sentiments. These recent world environmental disasters represent a grave opportunity for our species to come together on a global scale. • We must begin to come together and embrace our political and ideological disparities as healthy discourse. • We must celebrate our differences as a strength in diversity and individualism. • We must fully realize and grip the gravity of our global environmental situation and come together over this dire cause. Manifesto: Global Treading William Ballance
7. The fears I have fill my mind like wild fire. Death, the unknown, not having freedom, these are the things that frighten me every day. I’m afraid of these things, but I’m not afraid to say it. The world is in such a state of disarray, fighting to piece together the last bit of the puzzle before it comes crashing off the table. The deeper we fall the harder it is to climb up. Fear, at times, is crippling. Fear is a disease, passing from one person to a whole nation. Fear can’t stop us from standing up for what we believe in. Art can help mend wounds caused by fear. With this work, I recognize that my fight against fear has just begun and if I stay strong, I won’t be hurt. • I will not allow fear to control me. • I will allow my life to be full. • I will fight. • I will transition. • I will grow. • I will regenerate. Manifesto: Afraid to Dream Maxine Collazo
8. Manifesto: Cloud Nine Andrew Curlee ON THE MIND. The human brain. The central command center of our nervous system. A place where ideas and ideals are created. Where they are also potentially destroyed. Where decisions come and choices go. Some are influenced by many, but defined by none. DRUGS. An escape from a feeling. Medically or Recreationally. Some are bad, some are good. It depends on how they are used. It depends on how they are abused. For sedation and relaxation, or euphoria and displacement. It feels good now, but what about later. OVER TIME. The essence of life; Time. When it began, no one knows. Where it ends is a mystery. Everything is connected to time; life, technology, and drugs. Like time, drugs wear down on the human mind and body. It’s just a matter of time before something starts to break down.
9. Manifesto: Educational system needs improvement Ashanti Franklin There is this interesting idea that seems to have ingrained itself into the consciousness of the population at large that school should be a place of rigidity and suffering. In the case of the United States this probably originates in the Puritanical beginnings of compulsory education, with the main purpose of education being to give children the ability to read the Bible and thus protect themselves from temptation. While that might have worked out well in the way back when, education has since moved beyond its basic beginnings and thus should not still operate under the same restrictiveness that it did in the past. The continued implication that in education learning is a task that one must bear but not necessarily enjoy is only holding back the potential of the educational system, its students, and its teachers. • Elect representatives who actually care about education. • Protest standardized testing. • Education is one of the most important subjects in not only our country, but the world. Treat it as such. • Participate in school fundraisers.
10. Manifesto: Symbiosis Ari Kijanka Domesticated and non-domesticated animals are viewed differently in our society. House pets, such as cats, are viewed as our companions, friends, and are cute and cuddly. However, most non-domesticated animals are seen as gross or menacing. Design and illustrations can control how we view certain animals and create uniformity. As the artist, I wanted to show how we view certain animals as a hierarchy, literally holding domesticated animals higher than non-domesticated animals. BE PROACTIVE. By learning about issues with lesser cared for animals. Bees are dying at an alarming rate because of this paradigm. BE PROTECTIVE. By holding every animal in esteem, because you don’t love animals if you don’t protect every animal. BE VIGILANT. By researching and controlling what you know and what’s actually happening to these animals. BE COMPASSIONATE. By actually caring for every living creature, not just the ones that look the best. MOST OF ALL, BE ALIVE. We all have that in common.
11. Manifesto: A N*gga Redeem Pettaway Swallow the throne of the third heaven, a burial for a craftsman Suck teeth and disagree, a cheek displayed is a dare Bruise the backhand drum break, two step harmony Rest in your silk, arise Undo the embrace, skin trade on the front porch Dance in the pocket mirror, oil smudged grinning A stove top follicle burned is a testament of patience and grace You can reach back in the old sand, where the water flows unbleached And black babies spit up prophesy She stirs the new pot and prays a new song Treadmill track star, run till you can’t no more 99 and a half won’t do Horizontally zooted matters stretch the bars and melt special orange All over my body all over my body freedom is a plastic northstar
12. I am too white to fit in as a Latina. I don’t see race, I see people. Why judge someone for how they look instead of asking about where they are from. I don’t see race, I see people. BE PROUD of where you come from. OWN your race. RESPECT your tradition. TEACH your culture. Manifesto: Biracial Bonita Phillips
13. Manifesto: Rhythmic Reflection Connor Poovey Too often people find themselves unhappy, but lack the understanding of why. Why do we strive for the “American Dream”, working hard, making money, and yet still feel unhappy? The reason is because we have gained the knowledge of the mind, but lost the knowledge of the heart. Happiness is something that we all hunt for, but it is an elusive creature, never easily caught. We will not stumble upon it by chance, we must inspect with dedication and patience. If we search for happiness in the outside world, will never truly grasp it. Only by observation within ourselves are we able to capture the beast and find true peace. • We, as a planet, strive for better conscious living, and healthier growth. • We, as a society, strive to raise people up to their highest intellectual and emotional potential. • We, as a race, strive to find and create a deeper connection between the intelligence of our minds and our hearts. • We, as individuals, strive to seek peace within ourselves, that no matter where we are in life, we are whole. • I, as a conscious being, strive to know myself better, in order to show my planet, my society, and my people love and understanding.
14. Manifesto: Desintegración Ricder Ricardo The way immigrants are portrayed in the contemporary world is conflicting. We must not disregard stereotype profiling in our government and our streets. We must bring awareness to all that different immigrant groups are affected by discrimination, misconception and inequality. We must come together as a society and share our similarities as a species. IF YOU ARE AN IMMIGRANT, BE PROACTIVE. Help others understand the importance of diversity; we must end stereotyping and stigmatization. BE INSPIRING. Narrate your struggles, insecurities and fears to inspire others to do the same, creating a network of solidarity. BE COURAGEOUS. Use your means to fight for others who do not have a voice and bring them justice by exposing their struggle. BE YOU. Live your life truly and authentically regardless of your culture, where you come from or the language you speak. BE FREE. Do not let anyone dictate how to live your life. Defend your freedom and the freedom of others who are less fortunate. IF YOU ARE NOT AN IMMIGRANT, BE ACCEPTING. Take the time to get to know someone regardless of where they come from. BE AWAKE. Before assuming, understand that all immigrants come from different places; ask before you speak.
15. Manifesto: Human Nature’s Path Ridge Tablada We are hypocrites to believe that we are doing anything to help the environment at all. We are surrounded by the destruction of nature-- and we caused this destruction. For every road and skyscraper you see today, there was once a forest or plain that took centuries to form. But now we have made a permanent footprint on the world that cannot be erased. There is beauty in creation but only at the cost of natural destruction. • We wage war over land we believe is our own. • We create weapons that destroy the land we want. • We build factories and vehicles that pollute the air. What can you do when your life is dependent on creation and destruction? • Appreciate your surroundings. • Try to reduce the amount of destruction you make. • Live with the consequences you create. • Know that you are a hypocrite. It is your nature.
16. WE ARE HUMANS TOO. We are someone’s significant other, mother, father, sister, brother, and friend. We mean something to someone and we should mean something to you. Our lives aren’t any less than yours, they are just as precious as yours. We are not different from you. We breathe the same air and bleed red as you. We want to live our lives in peace. We are your allies not your enemy. WE ARE NOT ANIMALS. Do not herd us into one area and expect us to be okay. We are not to be herded like cattle. The plain open areas you put our tents in are not a place of sanctuary for us. A sanctuary would be an actual shelter, not tents that stretch for miles and miles. With so much displacement, tent cities are housing thousands of families in need. WE ARE NOT DUST. Do not sweep us under the rug as if we are dust. The more you sweep under the rug, the bigger the problem will be. The more you continue to be oblivious to your ignorant resolutions, the more problems you will create. Eventually dust will collect until there is no more room. Confront the problem head on with us. Help us. Manifesto: Displaced Mimi Tran
17. Manifesto: Blindness Kirsten Williams What do blindness, abuse and depression have in common? The absence of knowing what is hurting the individual. People in all these situations feel stuck and don’t seem able to get out. They can’t see the help being provided to them when it’s near. These issues are communicated throughout individual communities which recognize and give support, but don’t get addressed enough to be considered a nationwide or worldwide issue. These social issues are just as important as any other issue. We need to come together and support each other, taking a stand for the ones in danger, even if the victims can’t see it for themselves. People suffering abuse and depression might feel too ashamed or embarrassed to speak up. It’s our mission to: • Speak up for those with no voice. • Shed a light on those who cannot see harm being done. • Support one another. • Reach out to everyone in your community to let them know that you are there for them.