Reflection on Semester
There were a few turning points for me in terms of the semester, that really helped take my work to the next level, even in the short amount of time we had. These points are:
- The Yellow Wallpaper – as someone who enjoys reading and writing, I felt like this reading was a big source of inspiration for me. I felt that the visit to the Met really solidified the experience and hence helped me get inspiration and understanding for my own work.
- Keywords Erased – Again, this was a continuation of the two points above, and it really actualized the “Spinoza in a T-Shirt” reading for me.
- Wittgenstein reading on ethics – The quote about “running against the walls of our cages” defined my pathway as an artist and designer, and I kept this in mind as I worked on my project, trying to see how I can keep on running.
In terms of my starting, ending, and mid-point in the semester, I came in feeling like I had figured out my aesthetic and had a very specific approach. My previous studio class had me explore a variety of mediums, and I felt like I wasn’t going to do that here. In fact, the opposite happened. I got to work with wire and spray painting, as well as Plexiglas and laser printing which was incredible. Besides just working with new mediums, at my mid-point, I had my assumptions erased and I was left with no choice but to just go for my ambitions and create. I am so pleased with my final project, I think it really portrays me as an artist and does my encyclopedia article justice.
Beyond that, I really learned the meaning of “the medium is the message”. In translating James Wright’s “Hammock”, I used chicken wire to allude to the farming scene that was provided as imagery in the poem, I spray painted leaves to portray the nature and pastoral imagery, and finally, I spoke about appearance and transparency using Plexiglass and laser engraving.
“Appearance” Project:
—————–
My project was about appearance. I chose this topic in order in order to let go of my assumptions about appearance and where it comes from, and through my research and exploration of a new medium, I feel that I succeeded.
Here, I broke down each side of the head piece that I created to explain its meaning. It also should be noted that it is not necessarily meant to be worn but could be presented as an interactive piece.
Side 1: Look (the mirror)
- “Through the appearance of God, they were greatly cheered.” – The Bible
- This quote from the Bible inspired me to think about appearance as a factor in deciding on what something is, based on what it looks like, if it is physically there, etc.
- I used a mirror because it is often used as a tool to see what is “actually” there. However, I believe a mirror to be deceiving, yet simultaneously revealing.
Side 2: Truth (the face)
- “Belief requires active assent to appearances, that is, affirmation of the appearances as true.” – Plato
- This quote is saying that to see something we must believe in its existence.
- A mask, to me, is a translation of that. Masks are often used to hide and deceive and can also refer to another personality, or self.
- In my piece, using the “mask” I created, we can see the person wearing but they are distorted.
- This is meant to question our understanding of what is actually there, and our choice of knowing what is there and what isn’t.
Side 3: Battle (circle)
- Appearances were all so strong the world must think him in the wrong
- This quote was taken from a poem, and the poem spoke about how appearance was a factor in deciding whether someone was right or wrong.
- I used a circle that was half filled and half covered in triangles that would further distort the face to show this ethical battle of letting appearance be a decision-making factor.
Side 4: Imagination (triangle)
- “Reality and appearance are not two substantively different realms, they involve two different thought-perspectives upon one selfsame realm –the realm of that which exists and thereby lays claim to authentic reality.”
- The triangle on my piece is actually a delta sign, representing change because appearance is an ever-changing factor.
- The iridescent Plexiglas that I used is meant to show that constant change as it looks different in each lighting.
- I used acrylic glue to create a “rainstorm” on top of this to further symbolize the turmoil and change that comes with appearance, but also to portray how water is similar in those qualities.
- I came to the conclusion that appearance is just a pigment of our imagination and this side was supposed to portray this through its use of material, color, symbols, and shapes.
