Manos Sucias Discussion

For Delio and Jacobo, and many others in Buenaventura, life is hard and there is not much work that is available to them. Poverty and corruption dictate their lives, and the drug trade proves to be a profitable, albeit dangerous, route to earn money and support loved ones or themselves. As Jacobo described, his son was shot in the street and his house was seized by the corrupt military to grow and produce cocaine. Their are many aspects of their lives which are out of their control in Buenaventura.

The climax of the film places Delio and Jacobos lives' at stake, forcing Delio to decide whether to preserve his own life or take another's. This is extremely difficult, and this murder of a young man would be considered wholly wrong by many, however, we find ourselves rooting for Delio to shoot accurately and kill to survive. We are attached to him as we have seen the impossibly difficult world he comes from. Without watching the film or having education, it would be easy to say anyone in the drug trade is immoral and wrong, but it is obvious many do not have the choice to not participate. 

This film ties common themes such as family relationships, morality and ethics, survival, struggle, and hopelessness into one gritty package. The most prevalent theme that I find in this film is the idea that we are all human, and we have an innate instinct to survive and thrive. It is necessary to remember that before we are criminals or good/bad people, everyone is human and is worth something. 

D. Throughout the film, many of the characters are helpless in their situations. For Delio and Jacobo, they are powerless  in Buenaventura and need to enter the drug trade to survive. Throughout the film, the people picking up the drugs exert power over Delio and Jacobo, dictating whether they live or die, and where they will go. Guns are also a symbol of power, and those who wield them have power over others. Delio has power over the young man when he shoots him. The paramilitaries have control when they investigate the boat. Overall, most people have little power in their lives in this film.

Independent Project Update

Capture Show Assignment

1. Which photo best reflects your understanding of composition? How so?

I believe this photo best employs compositions as the face divides the frame into thirds, mirroring shots often used in documentary filmmaking with a non-traditional subject.

2. Which photo best shows your use of line or shape? How so?

The lines, created by long exposure of cars driving, make the eyes follow the path of the cars.

3. Which photo best shows your use of repetition? How so?

The use of repetitive horizontal lines conveys the motion of the car in the photo.

4. Which photo makes the best use of proximity? Explain.
5. Considering your use of technical skill, subject, "grabbiness," and the context of a winter selling show, which photo do you think should be your showcase photo (to be enlarged and framed)?

Progress Update

Media Review 12

The Last of Us Remastered

This game is sick. The unique 3rd person shooter style has me going crazy-it's innovative, fun, and beautiful. The graphics are amazing, ranging from fallen zombie cityscapes to the wilderness, making excellent use of lighting and subliminal directional cues. Pro tip: Yellow objects= walk that way. I've also played multiplayer, and the 4 person teams are personal and intense. I love the need to craft parts, and the revival of teammates which makes the players work together in a new way. 8.88888/10

Henri Cartier-Bresson: A Study

RECREATION: 

(not blurry enough w/ iPhone cam)

CONTRAST

 LINE

 PROXIMITY

 REPETITION

 SHAPE

 SIZE

 TEXTURE

 VALUE

ALIGNMENT

I was unable to shoot the last photo, and my computer is at 5%, about to die. Will Update!!!

Media Review 11

Christopher Kane SS15

Christopher Kane, who I'm not familiar with but have come to admire, has released his SS15 collection. The casual/ pseudo-formalwear is an array of colors with cropped pants everywhere. The collection starts strong with a pattern-matched set of clothes, and continues with matching throughout. I'm a fan of the subtle layering, including the button downs peaking out from the sweaters and outerwear. The colors are a different story. I think they are excessively flamboyant, and combining them with the slim silhouettes makes them a little ridiculous. maybe a 5-6/10 for me.

Busting the Tube

1. Art by Woody and Steina Vasulka created using the using a Digital Image Processor insprired by the Moog:



2. Nam June Paik's TV Bra for Living Sculpture is an installation included in TV as a Creative Medium in the Howard Wise Gallery in New York. This piece is interesting as the inclusion of television is meant to censor the woman, cutting off her sexuality, and simultaneously, a part of her beauty. The attention is pulled away from the art she creates with the cello, with distracting TV screens.




3. The NYSCA and other non-profit arts centers de-centralized existing communication, as they pulled attention away from the status quo and broadened representation of minority groups, such as Native Americans and youth culture. The stories of people from these groups would expand representation and tell stories from a unique perspective.

4. Deconstruction is important because it allowed video artists to insert their own opinions and perspectives into existing, nonrepresentational media.

5. The 80's was the start of appropriation in video art, and it occurred as a result of a pause in progress in the video equipment.

6. The Television & scanning abilities-50s
1965- Portapak
Reel Time- (20, 30, 60 tapes lengths- no editing software)
Moog Synthesizer & other inspired works- Early 70s
VHS- 80s
Sony Video 8- 80s
Avid & Other editing- 90s
Digital cameras- 1995

Senior Project Post 1

I have reviewed most of my portfolio, and the truth of it is that I need more graphic design work that I came up with myself, rather than filling assignments. Also, my application to fashion school should probably include some fashion pieces in it, so I have been working on and designing pieces for my applications as well as a show later in the year. I want to combine graphic design with fashion and create some innovative pieces, so I have been drawing a ton to get my ideas out.

Tuesday: I worked on a Kubrick inspired piece and researched more of Stanley Kubrick's photography work, though I don't have a screenshot because I don't have access to my computer right now.

Wednesday: I led an Intro to Transitions seminar for the freshman, outlining how to use transitions in Premiere.

Thursday: On Thursday I was excused from class and picked up a medium-gray wool fabric to be cut into a web for my next piece.

Friday: Excused for a Jewish retreat.

Media Review 8

Unknown by Entree LS
My first reaction: This collection is sick. I really enjoy the use of synthetic materials in a slimmed down, minimal tech aesthetic. It is inspirational to me, and the nonconventional cuts of clothing are my favorite. This leads into: My second impression: I think the zippers are a little too much, and the photography makes it look really good. I visited the site and looked at the individual pieces, and I think the collection is still cool but the triple zipper jacket might be a little much. It seems like the designer was heavily Kanye West-inspired and wanted to make the clothing increasingly crazy. I am undecided if I should just get used to it, or if it is ugly and too much. Still, it is very memorable and most of all, futuristic. Maybe too many zippers?/10

Media Review 7

Thisisneverthat: FW 14  "N A V Y / S T U D Y " Video 

Thisisneverthat is a South Korean streetwear brand, most notably featured in the online blog Hypebeast. This video presents their Fall/ Winter collection for 2014 using a glitchy, early 2000s "VHS" aesthetic. This aesthetic has made a slight comeback, being used in Pyrex Vision's early video lookbook and ASAP Ferg's "Shabba" music video. I really enjoy the use of old cameras and the strange mix of keying, cutting, and music syncing. The music really pushed it over the top for me, the syncing was incredible and the funky, minimal vibes of the song by SOMDEF was a perfect fit. The clothing pieces were also awesome. 90s nostalgia and cool patterns/10

Media Review 6

I just rewatched World War Z with my dad, and the best word to describe it is "tense". This movie has you hanging on the edge of your seat, and its use of foreshadowing is interesting. The cinematography highlights key people who are not being attacked by zombies, hinting at the immunity against zombies by some people. The CGI was on par, though not the best. People were most critical of the mass hordes of zombies. Pretty decent/10

Portfolio Planning Assignment 1

Mediums/Formats: Digital Photography, Film, Photoshop/Illustrator for Print
Common Themes: Systems of Work, Time, Organization, Basic Philosophy/ "Why are we here" ideas, the Future
Artwork I want to Continue: I want to continue my work in Graphic Design, and extend those print ideas to Fashion. I enjoy filmmaking, especially editing, but I'm not interested in continuing it solely for filming. I think film is amazing for conveying other ideas, and especially Fashion.

Mentoring

Who I'm Mentoring: Winston & Schorl

Schorl: Schorl will be creating art for articles #3 and #29 and uses a realistic compositing style for his art. He will be creating realistic looking images to represent the articles/

Winston: Winston is creating art for article #25 using a hand-drawn style on Photoshop using photoshop brushes and lots of color. His poster is centered around a human with symbols of the article around him.

Film Review 5

So I just stumbled out of Maze Runner about 2 hours ago, and this film is incredible. First, it had all the normal features of a good action flick, intense action and insane camera angles which literally kept my adrenaline pumping throughout the film. It is incredibly fast-paced for such a complex concept, spending due amounts of time explaining the situation but equal amounts on the action. The lack of full explanation only benefits the film because it places the viewer in the role of the boys of the maze to some extent, and often utilizes shaky camera and sound design to add a pseudo first-person element. I'd say it's a solid 7 to soft 8/10 for films in this genre, and the plot twists just keep you angry and interested the whole way through.

Film Review 4

The Nike Lunarfly QS 306 is a semi recent (last 1-2 years) shoe that emphasizes simplicity and combines the traditional basketball sandal and a running shoe/slipper. The shoe features straps instead of laces, emblazoned with JUST DO IT. across the top. I enjoy the practical placement of this motto, every time you look down or are literally "feeling down", the bright colors and text stare back up as a motivational reminder. The knit mesh upper is typical of Nike but the low profile shape and thick tongue are unique.THis shoe was quickly popularized on the internet through its appearance in Yung Lean's "Kyoto" video. I enjoy Nike's relentless list of new releases and would like to see more innovation like this in the future.

Article 15: Progress

My art so far is not developed all the way, but does reflect the article which I am representing, Article 15. This article describes our right to nationality, an essential part of life because every human has a place where they come from and should be able to represent themselves as such. I think this is important, for self-identity and for an easier understanding of other cultures, to have nationalities. They allow us to feel as if we belong somewhere, and better understand where others come from based on values attached to their nation.

Notes on my Thumbnails: (Article 15)

Elliot: The 3rd is the only one clear enough to convey the concept of nationality, if the visuals are done correctly.

Takai: The 1st and 3rd are the best ideas, and they definitely show the article.

Copyright Infringement Case: Beastie Boys vs. Monster Energy

The Beastie Boys and Monster Energy battled in court over Monster's apparent illegal use of multiple live songs in a commercial. Monster went so far as to create a music medley of these live songs available for download on their website, claiming that an employee believed the company had legal rights to the use of the performance. This is a direct violation of Michael Yauch aka MCA's will, stating that no copy of their music shall be used in advertisements.

This all seems relatively simple, except for a one-word expression by Dj Z-Trip which made the permission of use slightly unclear. When showed the video by Monster of him performing the Beastie Boys music, he responded "Dope!". This, in some cases, could be considered permission to use the music, but the claim was later dismissed by the jury, as Z-Trip testified that "Dope!" meant he liked how he looked in the video, not explicit permission to use the songs.

Monster Energy lost the case, and was ordered to pay 1.7m.

In my opinion, what Monster did was reckless and completely insensitive. With such specific terms in Adam Yauch's will, it is not hard to avoid infringing the copyrighted content. It is fair to say that the employee which created the content is no longer with the company, but I believe that such a large corporation has a responsibility to double—even triple-check what they are releasing and permissions associated with it. The ruling was fair in my opinion, and it goes to show that the further up in fame and monetary value these cases are, the more intense they become. 

Definitions of Key Terms

Copyright:

A set of laws defining the ownership of created works, how they can be used, viewed, shared and copied by others.

Fair Use:

An agreed upon set of allowed uses of work, such as for parody or education.

Creative Commons:

A public, free copyright system which allows a creator to decide what terms his/her work will be shared with, such as "No Derivatives" (only the original work), "No Commercial Use", etc.

Public Domain:

Works that are released into the public pomain have no owner, so they are free to be sold, modified, or appropriated. Art that is over 75 years old becomes a part of the public domain.

Privacy:

The right of an individual to hide and selectively share themselves and parts of information about themselves.

Film Review 3

Thom Browne, a menswear designer of his eponymous label, constantly pushes out new seasons of tweaked menswear which seems to break many rules and yet follow so many. His pieces are somewhat traditional; blazers, trousers and shirting which is most likely cut slim. Yet he also adheres to his own set of rules: trousers must be cropped (ankle or sock must be shown), 1 element of the outfit must be exaggerated, be it fit/antifit, color, etc. His recently released Fall/ Winter 2014-15 look book embodies this perfectly, playing with patterns and the growing jogger (elastic-cuffed pant) trend. It is classic menswear that never gets old.

Link: www.hypebeast.com/2014/8/thom-browne-2014-fall-winter-lookbook

Envisioning Assignment for Mike Gogulski

Today is finally the day. I pass the guard who stares me down, but allows me through with my valid American passport. I won't have to endure this tyranny much longer, I no longer want to be a part of this unequal system riddled with corruption and military might. The door of the embassy is a cold steel, chilled by Bratislava's winter. I approach the clerk, announcing, "I am no longer a citizen of the United States, I will be free!". The lighter is hard to start, and burns my fingers as I hold it under my passport. THey scream for security and all I can do is stand and wait to be pushed from the legal US borders and ignore them. I am finally free of government, free of its evil grasp and slow bureaucracy. I am nationless.

Film Review 2

Acronym, a Japanese techwear company, has recently released their FW14/15 line, a medley of technical clothing which seems to prepare you for your local rainstorm or the apocalypse. Techwear is an emerging style which hasn't fully made its way into circles outside of internet forums, but its basis is placing fashion and function as parallels, attempting to push both to their very best. Acronym is truly one of the original brands in this area, and their incredibly functional (and expensive $$$) clothing pushes features which aren't available in most clothing. My favorite piece in this collection is the J41-GT, a hardshell jacket featuring a slim silhouette and ripcord double zipper down the back. This allows for speedy removal of the jacket with a clean, zipper-less front somewhat similar to a high neck sweater.

Article 15 of the UDHR

Article 15 of the United Declaration of Human Rights states:

• (1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.
• (2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.

All people of the world have the right to a nationality, and should be able to participate as a citizen of their nation. This is true for most humans, that we have a claim to at least one nation in the world, with or without choice. The nation which we are born into is not a choice, but there is a choice for most people to keep this nationality, although monetary concerns can greatly limit our right to change nationality. For some, their nationality is a symbol of oppression or they are simply dissatisfied with the nation they are a part of. One could argue that the fact we must have a nationality is a violation of rights, because government is never optional, and government should (in most people's view) give choice and power to the people. Mike Gogulski, an anarchist and hacker, is a former citizen of the United States. He renounced his citizenship from the US at an embassy and Slovakia and burned his passport, symbolizing a breaking of ties with the US. His intention is to protest the US's actions around the world and free himself from democracy, which he sees as inherently evil. I believe his actions are certainly a powerful statement, although somewhat privileged, as he had the funds to move to Slovakia, own a computer and run a business, and finally renounce citizenship. There are many people who absolutely have none of those opportunities. A recent influx of children from Central America has caused a discussion and policymaking about the right to change nationality, and the conditions which people across the Americas are living. Prisoners in Guantanamo Bay detention camp have nearly endless problems about nationality because most countries have deemed them unsuitable and unworthy of nationality. Article 15 of the UDHR is constantly violated but it is a constant issue in our governments and our world.

Critiques on my "My Roots" project:

The balance seems off because of my transparent outline on top without anything on the bottom. Th rose messes up the synergy of the three clear lines established, and the outlines also do somewhat.

My Roots Piece

Film Review 1

Maharishi's recent release echoes their iconic military style with graphic and streetwear influences, and my favorite is the middle look. The pattern used on the hoodie, called Disruptive Pattern Material, is yet another pattern from Maharishi's huge array. The brand goes by the slogan “Pacifist Military Design”, which, in my opinion, is a beautiful contradiction. I enjoy the military functionality, combined with the peaceful, chill vibes which are dominant in the first look. I plan on buying pieces from their recent release. To check out more of their work, visit maharishistore.com.

My Roots

Brainstorming images for the My Roots project. 

Notes on my Project.

I explained my idea for a clothing and arts show that would combine all elements of digital media that I have learned, but mainly focusing on fashion design and marketing clothing to the public. I have fully formed ideas in my head but they were difficult to describe.

Notes were:
Get my ideas on paper or in print, because it is impossible to imagine what I am talking about.
Find my fabrics and decide on what I should use.
Get in contact with Quin or another person who could create samples.