More Than a Fence

In VPA 311 we took an on-campus field trip to go visit the student work that was being displayed in the Kellogg Library. Everytime I visit the library, I am always curious about the art that is being displayed. The theme of this specific showing was about fences/barriers. I recognized some of the art that I have seen in storage in some of the Art class rooms from the past semesters. The student artist that created these artistic expressions have been working on this art for a very long time, so it was exciting for me to finally see them all finished and up on display in the library. One of my favorite pieces is the image above of a Day of the Dead skull and the floural collection on the ground. To me this piece held much significance and displayed emtion and culture all in one.

Wasteland 2010

After I watched the movie Wasteland, I felt sad and ashamed with how often I take everything I have for granted. I know all to well that there are many of people who struggle and suffer and are forced to live in their own filth. I could never relate to the life of a landfill worker, and can't even imagine someone making a living doing the work depicted in the film Wasteland. When Vik Muiz approached the people in this specific location, the people were shockingly interested in sharing their lives and stories with the camera. The stories were mind boggling and very eye opening but what I loved the most about the film was the interpretation of Art in this very destructive world that Muiz then created. With out a doubt this film is not only inspiring as an artist but also brings me to feel humbled and thankful for the life that I currently live. I was also shocked with how the people who live in the worlds "largest dump" were able to show they were happy, maybe because this life is all they have so they have a great perspective, or maybe because their life is all they know. Vik Muiz not only brought talent but he also instilled a sense of hope and belonging to the lives of those in Rio De Janiero.

Frida

Frida Kahlo played by Selma Hayek in the movie "Frida" was a very inspirational story of the life, death and artistic development of Frida Kahlo. After a tragic accident you begin to see Frida develop her art and express herself through the median of paint.
What I enjoyed most about the movie is how the director pained out from an image of own of Fridas works of art into a live action scene remenancing on Frida's life. It was interesting to see her love fued with her husband Diego and his battle with infidelity  Strikingly Frida experiments with her sexuality and even has a relationship with one of Diego's mistresses.
This story is filled with much heart ache, and over coming of obstacles and how art is used as a self expression as well as a means of therapeutic remedy. Her art to me resembles her appreciation of her self as well as the deepening sadness that has unfolded into her life. Frida paints metaphorical pieces intertwining her relationship of self worth and of nature. Fridas art not only tells us a story but also expresses to us many feelings of sadness, hurt, loneliness, pain, and suffering.
The film was an excellent narrative of some important happenings throughout Fridas life. I would highly recommend watching this movie as it is as entertaining as it is informational.

Rabbit-Proof Fence

Before having viewed the film "Rabbit-Proof Fence" my knowledge of Australian boarders and history was dismal. This film conveyed a time that was very difficult for aboriginal peoples in this area. Children were torn away from their families and forced into servitude thousands of miles away. This film follows the lives of 3 children as they escape and travel a long voyage in attempt to reach their homes. I was inspired by their will to survive. I was shocked with what this true story had taught me: "Official policy between 1910 and 1970 in Australia allowed half-caste Aborigine children to be forcibly removed from their families and incarcerated ‘for their own' good in training schools where their were educated to become fitting servants for white families."

Mike Wilken- In class

On September 11th, 2013, Mike Wilken made a guest appearance in our VPA 311 class. It was very kind for him to come and lecture about the Native peoples of California. His attempt to preserve their traditions and educated others was very successful. I thought it was great he passed around an authentic basket that was hand woven by the Kumiai peoples. It was interesting to hear from a fellow classmate who shared how he shares the heritage of these Native people and his efforts to preserve their traditions.
 

The Visitor

The film "The Visitor" was released in 2007 and was based around the topic of American Immigration. So far my posts have been following a similar pattern. Stories of diverse nationalities struggling with the concept of immigration in the United States. In this film a widowed man returns to his intercity home that he has not been to in several years to find a foriegn family living in his home. The home was noted to this young un married couple from a scam artist who claimed it was his. Walter hesitantly decides to let the illegal immigrant couple stay in his home. This story takes an interesting turn of events as Walter begins to build a relationship with Tarek based around the growing interest in Walter playing the drums. When Tarek is arrested Walter hires an immigration lawyer to help out his new friend. I love this movie and would recommend watching it yourself to see how it ends.

Mike Wilken- Article

Mike Wilken writes  and photographs the Native People's of Baja California. He focuses on ancient cultures, and their living traditions. He enjoys working with people and helps them preserve their traditions linked to their ancient ancestors. He wants more people to be aware of their surroundings and the history of the land. He is encouraging students to have more knowledge of examples of ancient arts. He discusses arts from: basketry, pottery, painting, music, dancing etc. His interests in knowing how to use the environment in order to survive is interesting. He expresses his concerns with what is being lost and what is being preserved.

Me Familia

On Wednesday September 3rd we viewed the film "My Family" in class. This story was narrarated by the Sanchez families eldest son. He told the tale of how his father travel from Mexico to California in search for work and was housed with a distant relative. His story is filled with strength in overcoming obstacles that a type Mexican American family would suffer. This film had the entire class at times laughing hysterically and crying. I was surprised with differences in each of the family members personalities. From an artistic point of view I would highly recommend this film. It shares a great story of tragedy and triumph.