Self Portrait Statement

As much as I try to identity who I am, my always turn to art. It always help me something that I can’t describe in words. Recently I look into more ways of using media to make work and explore those endless possibilities. Last semester, I took a motion design class where I was able to more more programs that will allow me to do use more visuals can be seen by other people through motion. I thought a lot about my past and how I learn for my visuals rather than writing. Visuals help people learn area that would most people wouldn’t understand. It becomes a universal language. I was also very fascinated with watching television and movies, especially cartoons and how each frame would move so cleanly that I couldn’t even imagine how long it took animators to create and 30 minute or an hour and a half long video.

In my self portrait, I believed it was the matter for your work that reflects yourself. I decided to do an animation, hand drawn stills and having them animate. I wanted to create a narrative based on the ideas of youth but also taken in consideration about people’s future. Erickson’s ideas of youth do fit in the preliminary stages on how people live through life. Hilma af Klint also brought ideas about what the purpose of being in the universe and how ourselves play a big role. As well as Kambui Olujimi and how he wanted to tell his narrative in a different media.

The video starts of with a boy who is riding a bicycle to somewhere unknown. He is shown going somewhere while he is also is in a room doing nothing. I wanted to show a cause and effect situation, where you see the character is done and what he did to do it. Throughout the film, you see A sort part of papers falling, the writing are notes; reminders that he has to do many task and  overloaded with work. The narrative is to shows the boy who is has a lot of tasks and starts to imagine what if he were to stop doing it, questioning what is his purpose in life if he is not going to do all of the tasks that are demanded. He believes that he will just ride around his bike and just explore life. At the end of the video, the viewer doesn't see what happens, they only see the boy looking at the bike and nothing else. I wanted the end of the film to be open ended, letting the viewer decide what happens.

The way the video was implemented was hand drawing about 120 pieces of tracing paper, scanning it and placing all the images one after another. I wanted people to see the amount of work put into the images. There's so many three dimensional video and movies popularized, due to it being quick and easy that i wanted to stick with a traditional route, seeing all the images placed one another and seeing the ending result.


LINK: https://vimeo.com/334020453

Jennifer

Jennifer Isaza

Professor Cacolio

May 3, 2019

 Semester Project

                                                            My Self Portrait

For my semester project I decided I wanted to show my growth as an artist over time. To me, myself identity is currently revolved on my achievements because it is something I’ve been working hard on in the last few years. As an artist, you will begin to experiment with different mediums to find one that compliments your skills. My perspective of this project was to picture my view on this project 5 years ago. If I was assigned this project five years ago I would instantly want to do a painting of myself because that is something I used to enjoy. When I think of painting I think about the very beginnings of my journey discovering I wanted to become an art major. I would have sat around with my acrylic paints and paint my self-portrait and add a special touch to make the painting stand out a bit. I would have also added something from the class trips and mention my cultural identity through flowers that their colors all together represent Colombia’s flag. During the museum trips, I have brought with me different perspectives on identities. I learned about professionally identify, cultural identity, and ethnic identity. I have also recognized how important it is to be aware of your identities and be proud of where you are and who you are. Since Graphic Design is a new part of my identity, I decided to create a piece that shows my new abilities. Instead of drawing and painting on top of a canvas, I sketched out the picture of myself in photoshop and began playing with my new tools I have to my advantage. In my digital version of self-portrait, I wanted to incorporate m cultural identity again with the flag colors. I also wanted to add a sign of my gender identity, in which I am proud to be a woman. It is not only to classify my gender, but to represent part of me which is a strong woman.  Since my professional identity overpowers most of my project, I also wanted to display what many artists know as creative cloud to represent the new tools I have in my art career. I am still a work in progress and will continue to grow in all of the aspects of my life.

Brandon's Self Portrait

Brandon Ramdayal

Professors Caçoilo and O’Leary

Imagery Identity and Culture

Artist Statement

The form that this self-portrait takes on is a short autobiographical story. The reason I chose to take on was that I feel that this is the best way to bring my personal narrative to life. As a journalism and video production major, this is a step out of my comfort zone since I haven’t written short stories since high school (which was many moons ago.) On the contrary, I feel that it is a necessary to help me become a better journalist and a better videographer (after all, screenplays do arise from scripts, right? [Case in point: Project Blue Book.]) The content of this self-portrait includes many facets of my life that revolve around the topics of identity, imagery, and culture. Throughout my life, I’ve been faced with a variety of challenges that define who I am today. Finding my identity was possibly the biggest, from trying to figure out what I liked to finding what I want to do with my life. I still have those struggles to this day, but it’s a little clearer now thanks to the help of this class and the artists that were discussed in this semester.

Another challenge that I’ve faced in my life was being in touch with my culture. Being born in the United States, I’ve always felt like I was separated from what my family knew and the values they embrace every day. However, as time progressed I began to feel more in touch with my culture and how to identify myself with that culture. As an American with Guyanese descent, I’ve always felt that there was a stigma that you had to follow a certain career path, and if you didn’t, then you would be judged a certain way within that community. Today, I’m beginning to learn that might’ve been the case for my mother and father and the people that came before them. However, that stigma is slowly fading away, and it starts with my generation, the generation that’s evolving to do bigger and better things every day.

This self-portrait is inspired by the many works of artists that we’ve discussed in this class. Some inspiration has come from Judith Howard’s SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF IDENTITIES. Howard writes, “Strong identification with a group need not, in principle, be correlated with out-group hostility. Only under conditions of intergroup threat and competition are in-group identification and out-group discrimination correlated (Branscombe & Wann 1994, Grant & Brown 1995). Social identity theory maintains that it is ingroup identification that causes out-group bias.” (Howard 370) Another inspiration was Renée Cherow O’Leary’s AGING, PASSION, AND DEATH: PASSION AS MEANING AND STRUCTURE IN THE FACE OF TIME AND CHANGE, who writes “Living with passion also requires liberation from rigid models of behavior, opening even to excess. It means saying yes instead of no to the wider world of choices. This, to me, is the key to living a passionate life—being open to the unexpected, embracing the enigmatic.” This is what my self-portrait was inspired by, and what it entails. I hope you enjoy it!


Finding Brandon

By Brandon Ramdayal

It was my senior year of high school, and I was filling out my college applications. As I get through each question, I got stuck on two questions, “What is your nationality?” and “Select your Major of Interest.” Unsure of what to put, as conversations about my nationality between my parents about my nationality and I began to ring in my ears. “You’re an American,” my mother would say. “No, Brandon you’re Guyanese.” Since there was no option for Caribbean, Guyanese or American with Guyanese descent, I just selected “Other” and called it a day. Unsure of what to select for the major question, I selected “Business Administration” to the schools that had business programs, and “Journalism” for the schools that didn’t. I thought it seemed appropriate to go into business since my father owned one and I would follow in his footsteps. However, I also had an interest in Journalism, I wasn’t sure why, but I had a feeling that it could be in my future. Once I got through the questions, I clicked submit and carried on with my life.

It’s still senior year of high school, just a few months have passed and I’m beginning to get my decisions from the colleges I applied to and I got into all into all of them. Excited to share the news with my parents, I run downstairs shouting “I GOT IN!” repeatedly from the top of my lungs. My parents smile and give me a hug and start calling my relatives to relay the message. Messages of congratulations and happiness for me flood the phone and my Facebook. Happy to be on the receiving end of all the good news I reply with a simple “Thanks” and proceed to have a conversation with them. After all was said and done, I’m faced with another challenge, picking a school to go to. I was always told to go with the school that’s giving the most money, which is a wise choice because then I don’t have to worry about student debt when I graduate. Then the big question came, “What do you want to study?” Every time this question came to me, I’d always say Business just to sound professional and like I had a grip on what I wanted to do with my life, but in reality, I had no idea at all. I was afraid of telling them that I wanted to pursue and face ridicule like “That’s for white people” or “You’re not going to make a lot of money from that career.”

Graduation is around the corner, and I’m set on going to NJCU’s school of business. The free ride there with some other incentives, and I’m going to be with most of my friends from high school. It’ll be great, or so I thought. I’m in the living room at home with my dad. On the television, I see CNN’s on, it’s one of my dad’s favorite things to watch. As I’m watching with him, he asked me, “Are you sure you want to do business?” Still not sure with what I wanted to do with my life, I assured him that this was what I wanted to do. “But you’re so much more happy with Journalism and Video Production, I see it in your face and the way you act, you’d be much better off at Rutgers. Think about it.” Afraid of the thought that there weren’t many journalists of my color, personalities like Don Lemon and Sanjay Gupta begin to appear on the screen as they report on the newest story, my anxiety gets alleviated. Normally, I thought my parents would want me to pursue something that would help me make a lot of money, like a doctor or a lawyer, or something else, but it was very reassuring that they were supportive of whatever I liked. At the time, I received a decision from Rutgers-Newark, because New Brunswick was too far for me to travel, and dorming wasn’t an option. I wasn’t too sure if this was the right path for me, as there weren’t too many people like me that have those degrees, but I figured I’d be the first of many. I’d have to sacrifice my free ride and pay out of pocket to go to this school, but it was a choice I was willing to take.

Finally, the big day comes, Graduation Day. The day was filled with nothing but excitement and hope for the future. The boring parts of graduation felt like the slowest, the speeches and the hours of sitting. Finally, the best part came along, getting the diploma. As our names were called, we walked up, did our celebration, got our hard earned piece of paper and walked off the stage. After that came the moving of the tassels or whatever it was called, and we were finally graduates. We then threw our hats in the air and walked out in the traditional way. When it was all set and done, I celebrated with the friends I made over the four years and my family with more photos than you could ever imagine, excited about the next fours of my life.

Myths, Home and Self-Portraiture

Hundreds of years ago people did not have the technology to explain different forces of nature. They created gods, each with separate powers, to rule their domains. Some of the gods were merciful, some were wicked, and others were merely servants of more powerful gods. Looking at the gods, it is easy to tell what the civilization most valued.Myths are a way that humans can explain the impossible or the unexplainable. Myths also help people through life by giving them hope, something to believe in, or my inspiring them. An example of a doctor telling a very sick patient that it is possible to get better or that a cure will soon be found for their illness. Myths can be used to explain the origin of life and many other things. The bible for example explains how lives begin on Earth.

The word myth is often mistakenly understood to mean fiction-something that never happened, a made-up story or fanciful tale. Myth is really a way of thinking out the past.There are many different types of different creatures of Greek Mythology. There are Centaurs, Minotaur, Pegasus, Sirens, Medusa, and many more. These creatures can either be helpful to the Gods and Goddesses or they can work against them. Some of the creatures’ stories even intertwine with the stories of the Gods and Goddesses of Greek mythology. 

Most of us were familiar with Greek Mythology which presents a coherent set of gods and goddesses. However, other mythologies such as African did not present a consistent set of characters, although many of the tribes tell similar stories. This makes the material more difficult because the stories often crossover into what would be considered folk tales and fables. However, I still didn’t have a feel for how to incorporate the materials until I read some of the conversations of Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers from “The Power Of Myth.” I believe that Campbell offers a way to view folk tales and fables as related to mythology.  Often Myths come from more than just fake tales and stories, the are base on real stories and traditions. Wendy Red Star works across disciplines to explore the intersections of Native American ideologies and colonialist structures. 

He focus on the indigenous 

the importance of family and and crow mythology, most people know about the natives Americans beliefs about crow and omens. It is interesting that this early African myth has man and woman emerging from the water which is now thought by most scientists to be the place of origin for the earliest life on earth. Mostly due to the importance of water in their lives it is not surprising that they incorporated this into myth.

During the background phase of the unit the objective is for students to understand where Africa is and how its geographical characteristics affect the people and the stories that were told. The most difficult thing for younger students to understand is that Africa is not one big country but is in fact one of the seven continents. Africa is not one culture or people, but a myriad of peoples and tribes that now live mostly in the modern world with isolated pockets of people living the old ways of generations long ago, still following the old traditions and keeping alive the old beliefs and myths.

The African people and culture have survived in very difficult geographical conditions. A lot of the land is dry desert and wilderness. Most of the inhabitants were nomadic tribes who wandered this hostile territory. The Sahara is the largest of the continent’s deserts. It covers over sixteen million square kilometers. Other deserts include the Kalahari, Namib, Tarkana and Somali. The central part of Africa has tropical forests. It is here that the myriad of exotic animals exists on the continent. From hippos to leopards, chimps and the numerous varieties of birds, reptiles, and fish, the central part of the continents is the picture most of us form in our mind when we think of Africa. 

Most people believe that myths are fiction and folks tales but most of them are based on true stories and history.

Introduction Warris Adenuga

Hi, my name is Warris Adenuga, I am from Lagos State Nigeria. I take my culture, tradition, religion and language very serious.

I am professional film maker specializing in photography, with experience in cinematography, video production, lighting on set, audio production and editing.My photography skills were inspired by the beauty of nature and my surroundings. My uncle guided me in my interest in photography and became the one who continued to push me. Growing up in Nigeria was really complicated cause I had the skills and passion but never have the opportunity to have my own equipment, like a camera, to work with.  I really don’t like to talk about bad experiences I had when I was growing up as a child in Nigeria because I believe that it’s like a lesson and stepping stone for everybody in life to learn something at some point. I grow up from a very poor community where by we do not have a lot of opportunity to do certain stuff you ever dream of as a child.

Moving to the United States from Nigeria at age of 20 did not stop me from practicing my cultural, and traditions. Although I stick to Nigerian tradition, I miss speaking my language to interact with my peers the most. When I relocated to the United States, I started to lose my first language. I did not have a chance to speak it anywhere without people looking at me differently. “What is he saying?” people would stare at me and ask me what I was talking about when I would speak to my father. (that makes me a shy person) I was slightly discouraged and embarrassed until I came to the realization that I was different and that it is ok to be different

When I started college, I finally followed my dream in becoming a photographer and film maker. I also embrace the freedom to taking different courses that tests my skills and opened me up to other methods and techniques. I knew that each and every choice and class will expand my knowledge and make me better.

I do the work I do (photograph and film making) because I love it and passion for it grows daily through photo shoots, creating films, and connecting with people and sharing different ideas.

As a photographer I lay a free way for my client to communicate on what they want, and I love having fun in what I do.

...I specialize my photograph fashion (model and stylist), wedding, birthday, nature, landscape and many more.

Constructing Identity

Warris Adenuga

Art & Culture

Feburary 22, 2019

The first phaseof her projectused to beknown as No Place (2006-2008), and the plant-hu- mans hybrids who populate that work are calledthe No Placeans. In 2009, She commenced working on The Empathics, acrew of fictional human womenwho strive to turn out to belike the human beings of No Place throughscience and ritual. The Empathics are everyday peoplewho physically metamorphoseas they merge cultural identities and cross species.

Saya Woolfalk has engaged with difference and relationality as modes of turning into in quite a number inventive projects. Known for her immersive installations of imaginary and futuristic worlds, Woolfalk’s practice is a labor intensive and meticulous method of cultivating characters, constructing and making material and cultural objects consultant of these imagined worlds.

These worlds are characterized with the aid of pretty chromatic displays, skillful precision of count number and form, and the incorporation of media and live performance.One of Saya Woolfalk art work , Empathic Morphology: Herniated Consciousness (2012)Installation view of The Empathics at the Montclair Art Museum, 2012. Blending fantasy, humor, and play, Woolfalk’s artwork attracts on anthropology, mythology, and trend to present a fantastical world that encourages us to think about our most pressing societal issues, mainly concerning cultural difference, in a new light. 

A Nick Cave Soundsuit performance was once set to take place in Detroit’s Dequindre overall performance is one of several, accompanying Cave’s Here Hear solo exhibition at the the Cranbrook Art Museum. Through an formidable and groundbreaking collection of Dance Labs and performances, Cave has intentionally “interrupted” a vary of public areas in Detroit — some blighted, some refined, but all becoming for Cave’s homecoming of sorts again into the enigmatic city. 

The exhibition takes area 25 years after Cave’s ultimate year in the Cranbrook Art Academy. The distinct contrast between Cranbrook’s suburban environment and Detroit’s genuine funk extensively informed an awful lot of his exercise for the duration of the inception of his career.

When we think of sculpture, noisemaking costumes crafted from discovered objects don’t generally come to mind. But Chicago-based artist Nick Cave has always defied categorization, creating works that straddle overall performance art, sculpture, and dance. His fantastical Soundsuits are hanging ample as show pieces;

Keyinde Wiley was born in February 28, 1977 at Los Angelis, is a New York City-based portrait painter who is known for his highly naturalistic paintings of African-Americans. He traveled to various places, including the west Africa countries which is the center of the slave trade. He is the most celebrated of contemporary artists for the 21^stcentury who was chosen to pain President Obama portrait.

Bisa Washington is a sculptor, printmaker, and writer. Issues in her work focus around her heritage and identity as an African American woman. She thinks that variety of teaching positions, which is educator, docent, liaison. And she also talk about the legacy of racism and slavery is reinforced by the central square of paper with an image of ta man who has been lynched.

·       

Self portrait

 Video : https://youtu.be/2Nd5JMRQF-A

This semester in my painting class, I have been given the freedom to experiment and to find my own style, voice or identity through art. I have been exploring non traditional materials such as wallpaper, doilies, fabric, embroidery and flowers I have dried myself. I’ve been Sewing, creating textures and exploring with mixed media. And this is an expression of my growth and journey of my own exploration in life and in art.

It’s absolutely exciting and stimulating. I get to be in my own little world and I get to do whatever I want. Its so much fun. Im just playing around and having the time of my life. Nothing makes me happier than painting. I love it so much. My heart is full and Im complete.

The fact that I can do whatever I want means so much to me. My whole art career, all my teachers and my professors have been trying to push me to explore other emotions like anger and hatred. But I’ve always been doing art that is full of flowers and full of love. Every art piece that I have, I give it my all. I want to give out hope, kindness and spread love in this world because that’s what the people need. There is too much evil and pain/suffering in this world and it is enough.

For a time, I challanged myself to channel my anger and my pain through my history. I was successful in embodying the emotions but I did not like what I see. I saw myself suffering and in pain. The process was extremely hard for me as well. I had to channel my past and relive all the pain. It was not good for me for it brought back my depression after I worked so hard in healing myself and in forgiving others. I have tried so hard to let go of those emotions but my making works in representation of those emotions made me relive it all.

I do not see the point in doing that. I’ve worked so hard to heal, forgive and to let go and grow from it. I do not want to 

hold on to the agony for I will be the one suffering and trapped in that misery.I choose to let go and move on. Forgive and set yourself free. Thats the only way one can go on with life is to be at peace with themselves and set themselves free.

Since my art is so pretty, cute and crafy, some might think that I have had the easy life, that I haven’t experienced real challenges in life. But they are wrong, I have gone through hell and back. I have hit the rock bottom at suck a young age but I choose nottot hold any grudges in my heart.

I am so much more. And I do not have to prove that to anyone but myself. I am more than capable and I know it. I can make those kinds of art if I wanted to, If that is the art I want to express. But I will do it myself not because other people told me so.

But I choose not to. I have gone through so much. I have had my depression. I have cried every night. I have felt every pain. I’ve lost myself and I do not ever want to feel that pain again.

I’ve been through so much. and I have worked so hard to be where I am right now. It was such a process. It took so much time and effort to heal- and im still processing.

Just like Hilda Af Klint, I completely trust my painting process as my healing process. I use art to express. I do not plan or sketch out my paintings, but it spontaneously and instinctually.

My art, faith and my family is the reason why Im here right now. It is what have gotten me through my sufferings. I has given me hope and strength, and I want others to do the same. I want to provide hope for others, that things do get better and that you can get through this. They are not alone and I am a living proof that we can get through it.