Visual Culture

I have really enjoyed the visual culture class, as I feel it has definitely broadened my perspectives on art. Watching the Art 21 series has done this by far through showing what artists of many different styles try and accomplish with their art. Their messages have been powerful, and their artistic styles varied by far. I think differently about the possibilities that artwork has now, such as sending a strong message easily like Xico Gonzales or Banksy. And never before did I imagine artwork through mediums like Second Life (Cao Fei), silhouettes (Kara Walker), an ice rink (Maya Linn) or pivoting, revitalized houses (Mel Chin). I have so many more ideas now, and there is so much more that I want to do artistically to get my points on society across.

Scene from Pepon Osorio's No Crying Allowed in the Barbershop

There are many more mediums for art possible, like suits and collages on houses, than I thought. I don't have to master painting to make powerful artwork. I also loved how strong of social activists each of the artists have been that we looked at. Tyree Guyton's Heidelburg Project is incredible, an eclectic challenge to the senses that replaces burned downed houses. The new houses' reflections of society - chaotic, sometimes disturbing, hopeful and bright - are incredible. I want to do artistic projects that involve and strengthen the community. I have learned that artwork really can be a medium for social change, and it's something that I'm definitely interested in using and focusing more on in the future.

I have also really enjoyed the theater projects, as they have shown us another powerful medium through which to portray feelings on society and change that is needed. When we did the tableau activity, our messages were really powerful without having to say anything (and when we did add one word, that made the messages even stronger). Using the body and portraying change needed in that manner really speaks to an audience, and I think it showed everyone in the class how effective theater can be to convey need for change. I look forward to using theater in upcoming, cultivating projects for the Governor's School.