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.