Self I As Image Spring 2018: The State of Capitalism or: The Politics of Guy Looking

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

The State of Capitalism or: The Politics of Guy Looking

The State of Capitalism or: The Politics of Guy Looking
Marcos Castillo

I am not an artist. But I felt I could give any image artistic value. I went to New York City to visit a museum in the hopes of finding inspiration for my work. I did not think it worked out for me until I went to Times Square and I looked around me and saw the perfect picture building. Every single advertisement I saw was that of a company that belonged to one of the 10 great conglomerates in the world. Coca-Cola, Disney, Time Warner, Comcast, GE, Unilever, Kellogg, and News-Corp; these are the corporations that control and own just about everything that one watches and consumes. I find this as a great failing of the free capitalist system as there is no real freedom of choice and only the illusion of competition so I based my art around that.

I edited this photograph and replaced any image or advertisement that was branded toward one of the big conglomerates; there are 5-7, depending on who were one looks. What I saw was that I had ended up covering every single image on Time Square with my previous work "Guy Looking." I chose "Guy Looking" because he very well captured the essence of what I wanted to portray: A miasmic and trite saturation which is the state of capitalism today. There is an impossibly high barrier of entry for any corporation that wants to take a shot of the big name and profitable goods. And the political influence held by just a few means that effective monopolies are not only maintained, but expanded. This has lead to some humorously warning of the future corporatocracy lead by the mega-corp "Disney-Exxon-BP-Mobile"
I would call this "Protest Pop Art" or at least a commentary on gross consumerism and its effects on people and government. I would say that this work has been, at least foundationally, influenced by the work of people like Banksy or Chittaprosad Bhattacharya. I am a centrist so I don't espouse any leftist ideology but I would consider that the state of our capitalist system deserves more notice and something done to bring about positive change on the topic.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

FINAL GRADES ARE POSTED!

Have a great summer!! Continue in your explorations of art, art history and media in your own self-identity development and in your self-invention experiments. Stay in touch and keep me posted on your adventures.

FINAL PROJECTS DUE 5/2

FINAL PROJECT

Choosing any one or combination of processes that you have explored during the semester, compose an image that captures a self-portrait. Through an oral and visual presentation of your works, explain the following to the class:

• What is the subject of your image?

• What is the content of your image?

• Why did you make the choices that led to the composition?

• Explain the process and steps you went through and why you made those decisions.

• How you would categorize your work (ex. collage, graphic print, mixed media, etc).

• What artists or works are appropriate to compare your work to?

• What do you think this image conveys to the audience?

• What are the differences between the first self-portrait and your last self-portrait?

• What influenced these changes?

You must create a post on the blog that will include clear images of your final self portrait project, a summary of the process by which you created your final project as well as the answers to the above questions.

___________________

SPECIAL INVITATION:

I am meeting my Art History students at the Brooklyn Museum this Sunday 4/15 at 1pm. Please join us if you would like. Email me if you have any questions. We are meeting in the lobby of the Brooklyn Museum at 1pm. Directions can be found here. General admission is a suggested donation.

Due Wednesday 4/25

Weekly selfie: Inspired by the work of Sophie Calle create a ‘selfie‘ that pushes the form and process of self portraiture. Create a set of rules and follow them to create a series of 3 or more images that as a series are a self portrait. You can re-create one of Sophie Calle’s projects or design a new project.

Group 5 presents

No new readings this week

Post your final project in progress to the blog. Post a quick picture of your project so far. Write a few sentences about your plan to complete the project for the final.

Bring you work in progress to class on 4/25 to explore for your final project. Bring sketches, inspiration and writing that we can discuss in preparation for your final project. I will be checking in with each of you to see what you have made so far for your final portrait. Check the syllabus for the project expectations. You can begin drafting your final project post if you would like any feedback.

We will attend the Artist Talk at the WW11 exhibition at 4pm.

Post 3 - Exploring Art Experiences/Gallery Visit
(due 5/2)
Find and visit a gallery or museum exhibition that includes self portrait work. You can also find a gallery or portfolio of work online. Be sure to research extensively the work of the artist if you are using an online source. Seek out video interviews and documentary sources to help expand your experience of the works.

If visiting a gallery: Be sure to pay special attention to the labels describing the pieces and to the artist statements in the exhibition binder or gallery wall text and handouts. You must take photos and notes during your visit.

Write a response to the ideas being addressed. Please be sure to address the following questions:

What are some themes of the exhibition?
How do the artists address identity and the self?
What are some critiques of self, identity and perception?
Describe at least two projects in detail and explain how the projects represent self?
What are the artists and curators telling the gallery or museum audience?
How do the artists approach the presentation of self and self portraiture?

~800 words. EDIT your writing. Include at least 3 images of the projects you chose and the gallery space (use images you took when available) and 2 links to information about the works you chose. Reference the class readings (Finkelstein and Berger) in answering the questions and include at least two citations of the readings in your short essay.

Two tweets with the hashtag #selfiasimage

_________________

Due Wednesday 4/18

SPECIAL INVITATION:
I am meeting my Art History students at the Brooklyn Museum this Sunday 4/15 at 1pm. Please join us if you would like. Email me if you have any questions. We are meeting in the lobby of the Brooklyn Museum at 1pm. Directions can be found here. General admission is a suggested donation.

WEEKLY SELFIE: The Spectacle
Choose two quotes that help explain 'the spectacle' from Debord's writing. Using the art in the exhibition WW11: eye of the storm as inspiration create a digital selfie (or selfies) that illustrates a quote from the first chapter of Guy Debord's Society of the Spectacle. Connect the themes of climate change, personal choice and identity with the ideas brought forth by Debord in his chapter. Post the image(s) and the quote(s) to the blog.

Two tweets with the hashtag #selfiasimage

____________________________

Due Wednesday 4/18

IMPORTANT:

See below for your final writing assignment due 5/2 - you must try to visit a museum or gallery!!

No new readings this week

Bring ideas and materials to class on 4/18 to explore for your final project. Bring sketches, inspiration and writing that we can discuss in preparation for your final project. I will be checking in with each of you to see what you are thinking about in the final portrait. Check the syllabus for the project expectations.

Group 5 presents

WEEKLY SELFIE: The Spectacle

Choose two quotes that help explain 'the spectacle' from Debord's writing. Using the art in the exhibition WW11: eye of the storm as inspiration create a digital selfie (or selfies) that illustrates a quote from the first chapter of Guy Debord's Society of the Spectacle. Connect the themes of climate change, personal choice and identity with the ideas brought forth by Debord in his chapter. Post the image(s) and the quote(s) to the blog.

Post 3 - Exploring Art Experiences/Gallery Visit

(due 5/2)

Find and visit a gallery or museum exhibition that includes self portrait work. You can also find a gallery or portfolio of work online. Be sure to research extensively the work of the artist if you are using an online source. Seek out video interviews and documentary sources to help expand your experience of the works.

If visiting a gallery: Be sure to pay special attention to the labels describing the pieces and to the artist statements in the exhibition binder or gallery wall text and handouts. You must take photos and notes during your visit.

Write a response to the ideas being addressed. Please be sure to address the following questions:

What are some themes of the exhibition?
How do the artists address identity and the self?
What are some critiques of self, identity and perception?
Describe at least two projects in detail and explain how the projects represent self?
What are the artists and curators telling the gallery or museum audience?
How do the artists approach the presentation of self and self portraiture?

~800 words. EDIT your writing. Include at least 3 images of the projects you chose and the gallery space (use images you took when available) and 2 links to information about the works you chose. Reference the class readings (Finkelstein and Berger) in answering the questions and include at least two citations of the readings in your short essay.

Two tweets with the hashtag #selfiasimage

____________________________

Due Wednesday 4/11

READINGS ONLINE:

From Guy Debord's Society of the Spectacle (first published 1967):

1-Debord, First Chapter (1977 translation) OR (2002 translation)

2-Recent Article in Hyperallergic Magazine:

https://hyperallergic.com/313435/an-illustrated-guide-to-guy-debords-the-society-of-the-spectacle/

WEEKLY SELFIE: In response to the class readings and discussion about self invention, fashion, advertising and representation please choose a quote from the readings about identity formed from external representation and images that might be internalized. Create a digital selfie that combines the quote from your reading and speaks to the images created by Adrian Piper or Carrie Mae Weems. Look to the work of Adrian Piper and Carrie Mae Weems as examples of the critique of mass images of race and identity. Look to the approach these artists take as inspiration for a digital selfie that responds to the quote you chose and uses the more conceptual work of these two artists as a framework. Include the quote in your post and a few sentences about the artist and specific work you chose as your inspiration.

Two tweets with the hashtag #selfiasimage

_____________________

Due Wednesday 4/4

READINGS: Finkelstein, Chapter 4+5 Advertising and Fashion pgs 148-216, John Berger Ch 7

2 quotes from each chapter

WEEKLY SELFIE: In response to the class readings and discussion about self invention please create a selfie illustrating one of the points about self invention. Please find and research the work of an artist we have not yet discussed to inspire the selfie. Feel free to use any of the work we saw in the WW11 exhibition.

Two tweets with the hashtag #selfiasimage

______________________

3/21 SNOW DAY

Due Wednesday 3/28

READINGS: Finkelstein, Chapter 3 pgs 121-144

2 quotes from the chapter

Post 2 (*Due 3/21 before class)

Compare the work of Andy Warhol and Ana Mendieta. What are some prevalent themes in each of their work. What influence may their biographies have on their works? How did their lived experience influence the way they made art, the subjects of their work and their own presence in their works (self portraits)? Did these artists become synonymous with their work? How did fame play a role in their work and their lives? How did each of the artists use materials and technique to address some of these themes? How were the materials and techniques themselves important to the subjects they depicted?

Did these artists invent themselves or their public selves through the presentation of these works? Use Berger, Finkelstein and any other additional sources to help you answer these questions. You must cite at least 4 references (quotes) from your class readings.

~800 words. Please use proper citation style and put a 'works cited' at the bottom of your post listing our two class texts as well as any other sources you cite from. Include at least 4 images/examples of the artists work.

WEEKLY SELFIE: In response to the documentary we watched about Ana Mendieta, create a digital selfie exploring themes of body, nature and homeland. You can include this selfie as part of your Post 2 writing assignment or create a separate post for this weekly selfie. Please be clear where you share this (in writing assignment or separately). Use your list of 15 words that I asked you to note about Mendieta's work as a beginning to explore these ideas in more depth. Look at her work online and use your writing assignment to conceptualize a strong response to her work in your selfie. This selfie will count separately from your writing assignment.

Two tweets with the hashtag #selfiasimage

___________________

ENJOY YOUR SPRING BREAK!! NO class 3/7

Due Wednesday 3/14

READINGS: Berger, Chapters 4+5

WEEKLY SELFIE: In response to the documentary that you watched today (please watch again or watch more of the documentary at the link for more examples and inspiration) please think about several themes that Andy Warhol addressed in his work and that you feel his work illustrates. Use your list of 15 words as a beginning to explore some ideas in depth. explore his work online and look at the Andy Warhol Foundation and Museum websites along with other online catalogues of his work.

Two tweets with the hashtag #selfiasimage

Post 2 (*Due 3/21)

Two tweets with the hashtag #selfiasimage

___________________

Due Wednesday 2/28

READINGS: Finkelstein, Chapter 2 Manners pgs. 75-117

Male Gaze Discussion continued. Please REVIEW readings that were due on 2/14. Have quotes from these readings ready to hand in. Quotes for readings due 2/14 and reading due 2/28 will be collected in class.

Group 2 presents

Two tweets with the hashtag #selfiasimage

_________________

Due Wednesday 2/21

MIDTERM PROJECTS and Presentations in class

Please bring completed projects to class as well as posting the project to the blog with a short writing assignment. See below for details.

Using processes including collage, assemblage, drawing and painting each student will compose an image that captures a self-portrait. Projects must be well thought out and made. Please be prepared to spend time on these projects. They should reflect thoughtful planning, research and lots of time and energy in the production. Please be prepared to address the meaning behind your self portrait, any artists that have inspired you and why you have chosen the materials and the subject matter to represent yourself. In written form in a short post on the blog please describe your project, post a photograph of it and address the following questions:

• What is the subject of your image?

• What is the content of your image?

• Why did you make the choices that led to the composition?

• What do you think this image conveys to the viewers?

• What artists have influenced your self portrait?

• What techniques have you used to create your self portrait?

• Why and how does this project represent you?

You will present your piece in front of the class in a 3 minute presentation using your post on the blog and your project and we will have a group critique and discussion addressing the questions above.

Good luck!

No new readings due

Two tweets with the hashtag #selfiasimage

_______________

Due Wednesday 2/14

READINGS:

John Berger Chapters 2+3

On Blackboard: bell hooks, Understanding Patriarchy and The Oppositional Gaze

Weekly Selfie: Create a selfie that works out some of the ideas of your midterm project. Use a digital selfie to illustrate the direction you would like to go in your midterm. Think of this as a sketch or hint at your midterm self portrait.

MIDTERM project in progress. Bring in pieces and ideas in progress for your midterm self portrait collage. Read the description of the midterm assignment on the syllabus. Look at examples of artist portraiture and collage online and in books for inspiration. You can begin with this list: http://www.anothermag.com/art-photography/3318/top-10-collage-artists-hannah-hoch-to-man-ray

Two tweets with the hashtag #selfiasimage

____________________

Due Wednesday 2/7

READINGS:
Joanne Finkelstein, Chapter 1 pgs 42-72
John Berger Ways of Seeing Ch 1
(two quotes for each)

Weekly Selfie Autobiography and Place
Using the work and biography of Frida Kahlo as inspiration please create a selfie that is autobiographical and also speaks to a place or environment you consider "home".

Biography of Frida Kahlo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROAH9LQecyc

MIDTERM project in progress. Bring in pieces and ideas in progress for your midterm self portrait collage. Read the description of the midterm assignment on the syllabus. Look at examples of artist portraiture and collage online and in books for inspiration. You can begin with this list: http://www.anothermag.com/art-photography/3318/top-10-collage-artists-hannah-hoch-to-man-ray

Two tweets with the hashtag #selfiasimage
_______________________

Due Wednesday 1/31

READINGS:

Finkelstein, Introduction pgs 1-36

Weekly Selfie - Manufactured reality

Create a selfie inspired by the Susan Sontag reading On Photography. Choose a quote from the reading and include it in your post with your selfie and a brief description of your interpretation of the quote. 1 paragraph

Two tweets with the hashtag #selfiasimage

______________________

Due Wednesday 1/24

GET THE BOOKS!!

The Art of Self Invention by Joanne Finkelstein, I.B. Tauris, London: 2007

Ways of Seeing by John Berger, British Broadcasting Corporation and Penguin Books: New York 1990

Post 1/Weekly selfie in response to the readings

Create a quick digital selfie/self portrait that is informed or inspired by the ideas you read in the reading linked below and by the work of the artist Cindy Sherman. Use the ideas from the readings and the work you saw in the documentary about the artist and her process in creating these self portraits to help you design and create a selfie. Please write a short post on the blog of 3-5 paragraphs about your selfie, the readings and the documentary film. You must include your selfie in the post and you must include at least one link to an external resource or example of some kind.

WATCH:

Cindy Sherman, Nobody is Here But Me, 1994

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXKNuWtXZ_U

READINGS ONLINE:

Susan Sontag excerpt from On Photography

http://www.susansontag.com/SusanSontag/books/onPhotographyExerpt.shtml

The Cindy Sherman Effect

http://www.artnews.com/2012/02/14/the-cindy-sherman-effect/

Intro to Cindy Sherman MoMA http://www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/1154?locale=en

Image Gallery and the marketplace: https://www.artsy.net/artist/cindy-sherman

Two tweets with the hashtag #selfiasimage

______________________

Link to the Syllabus

Link to Class screenings

Link to our twitter hashtag: #selfiasimage

Discussion guidelines

The course material and discussions can often be provocative and challenging. We must therefore be careful to be respectful of each other and of our viewpoints.

We must come to class prepared and ready to discuss the readings. Please keep discussions focused on the readings and class materials and keep examples relevant and appropriate. If you have not done the readings you are not to participate in the discussion.