Myths

Myths combine supernatural fantasies with human limitations. Mythology gives stories an edge that separates it from traditional narratives by creating larger than life concepts. In Kambui Olujimi’s Skywriters and Constellations exhibit, Olujimi begins his story by introducing the main character living in an orphanage to humanize the protagonist. When the strange figures come from the closet, they give him a taste of the world’s knowledge through candy. This surreal power and wisdom were transforming. One of my favorite lines that helped me understand the transition from a regular character to a supernatural figure was when the narrator says, “He packed some of his favorite things. A pair of jeans, a lake, and a lightning storm”. Olujimi combines the realistic, simple act of packing with the fantasy of literally taking all of his favorite things. His larger than life presence redefines his purpose in the film from a relatable character to a god.

Because Olujimi connects past, present and future issues, this story can be told for decades to come because of its relevancy. The most prominent example I see of this is when the narrator talks about the Moxy Hotel that has the never-ending graveyard that is home to the people killed by guns since their creation. The description of the graves, “Three in a hole, first come first serve,” was an effective way to combine the harsh reality of today with the whimsical grand scale of the property.

In contrast to Olujimi’s exhibit, Wendy Red Star’s work provides viewers a more refined interpretation of her identity through her pieces. Her native American heritage is the base for all of her inspiration. The sweat lodge in the middle of the exhibit is an excellent example of incorporating the traditional craft of making tents with the addition of multimedia elements inside. It is an interactive piece to bring viewers to a place where they may never get to wander, and native people call home. I think there is also something to say about having nature featured on the inside of the tent. It is embedded in Native American culture to respect the earth and care for the land because it is what gives us life. Having the landscapes of Indian land reflected on the inside of the tent I think solidifies the idea that the earth is our home and the sweat lodge is just a structure that can be replaced. Nothing can compare to the beauty and simple virtues of the land and wilderness.

After seeing both exhibits, I am inspired by both artists’ works and am ready to incorporate some of their techniques in my work. I want to create a video, and just like Olujimi, I want to use sounds to help form emotions rather than just images and short clips I put together into a montage. Because of Wendy Red Star’s exhibit, I now know that I want to use and feature many colors in my piece. Royal blues, vibrant reds, deep oranges, they are all colors that I love. Colors have a lot to do with emotion, and it is going to be interesting to see what colors I can incorporate in my piece to translate certain feelings based on the narrative.