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Final Assignment: Your Manifesto 

Stimulist Manifesto

I have discovered that, inside the fascinating web of artistic investigation and curation that has developed throughout this semester, I am becoming a curator of the arts—a function that has enabled me to clarify and bolster my aesthetic beliefs. Upon commencing the reflective process of creating a manifesto from the numerous blog posts dispersed around my virtual canvas, I acknowledge the exceptional chance to condense my varied experiences into a coherent and analytical entirety. This manifesto is an intentional attempt to find connections, make sense of trends, and distil the core of my aesthetic choices rather than just a list of things I like. The goal is to create a grand narrative that unifies the themes throughout my writings and reflects my changing artistic identity. In the following pages, I will expose the cultural and artistic values I fervently wish to advocate and the overall theme that runs through these creative undertakings. This manifesto is a call to action for people to join me in interpreting the language of art that speaks to the heart of our everyday life and personal exploration.

Identification of the Theme

A thematic undercurrent weaves together random threads to create a coherent pattern that reflects the outlines of my artistic journey inside the complex tapestry of my blog articles. When I go back through the carefully chosen posts, I see a recurring line—a subdued but meaningful subject that connects various artistic expressions. It is an investigation characterized by subtle alterations on a central theme, a leitmotif that cuts beyond the particular media and artistic genres under consideration. A consistent theme emerges in the celebration of stimulation, whether in the vivid brushstrokes of an abstract painting, the beat of a playlist, or the visual story of a photo series showcasing the everyday beauty of coffee cups. The pulsing beats of songs like Wham's "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and Eminem's "Stay Wide Awake," the sharp angles and jagged lines of a painting, and the personal moments caught in pictures of treasured coffee cups are all examples of this subject in action. The unifying theme of stimulation acts as the glue that binds various expressions together to create a melodic symphony of artistic experimentation. Manifesto Creation

Now that the conceptual foundation has been established, I refer to this coherent examination of my artistic preferences as the "Stimulist Manifesto." In this declaration, I declare the relevance of stimulation to my cultural and creative beliefs, and I hope to shed light on and appreciate its great significance in art (Myles, 2019). The main goal is to pave a way that promotes the revitalizing effects of stimuli in all their forms, whether sensory, aural, or visual. The Stimulist Manifesto is proof of my dedication to creating art that stimulates the senses, dispels complacency, and encourages active participation with the outside world. This statement implies a rejection of artistic manifestations that fit into the category of the usual as well as a resistance to the banal, the stagnant, and the bland. It's a warning to embrace the vibrancy and vigour inherent in the wide range of artistic interactions, to "WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE!!!" Using this manifesto, I invite fellow fans to become part of the Stimulist movement, where the quest for elevated aesthetic experiences offers a platform for a more lively dialogue about the arts.

Manifesto Illustrations

Three unique blog entries represent the theme pulse I want to share within the context of the Stimulist Manifesto. The first examines an abstract artwork with jagged lines and turns it into a visual representation of the manifesto's appreciation of dynamic stimuli. The manifesto's demand to awaken aesthetic perceptions is embodied in the sharp angles and disorderly lines that pique the viewer's visual senses. Second, the auditory dimension of stimulation is enhanced by a carefully chosen playlist that includes upbeat songs like "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" by Wham and "Stay Wide Awake" by Eminem. These songs create an auditory experience consistent with the manifesto's fundamental ideals by echoing the essence of the manifesto through their beats and rhythms. Finally, the experience aspect of stimulation is symbolized by a photo series that captures the many designs of popular coffee mugs. Every cup, a container of everyday ritual, is a microcosm of the manifesto's exaltation of the commonplace elevated to the sublime. Through these illustrations, the Stimulist Manifesto takes on many artistic guises and tells a story emphasizing how stimuli can modify and create a visually captivating and prosperous environment.

Conclusion

I find myself at the nexus of common artistic discovery and personal revelation in this Stimulist Manifesto. This manifesto is an open invitation to others and reflects my changing style. It was inspired by the thematic consistency I found among the various tapestry of my blog articles. It captures the passionate conviction that stimuli in all artistic dimensions—visual, aural, and experiential—can transform. As this document unfolds, it outlines my celebrations and my objections to artistic manifestations that stay within the boundaries of the ordinary and the unexceptional. It invites others to become part of the Stimulist movement, in which the quest for more intense aesthetic experiences turns into a common platform for a more lively, dynamic, and captivating dialogue about the arts. Using this manifesto, I offer an invitation to awaken and enjoy together the variety of stimuli that give life to our creative narratives and elevate the commonplace.

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Module 14 Assignment: Ekphrasis 

As the clock strikes midnight, the skies unveil a heavenly wonderland. Witness the celestial ballet in "Starry Night," where the silent, little voices of nature harmonize with one another. As if the night sky were silently rapturous, a symphony of cobalt hues engulfs the canvas. As the peaceful town below reflects the moon's gentle gaze, cosmic energy swirls throughout the scene. The cypress tree watches over this nighttime serenade, its shadow reaching for the celestial ballet above. Its weathered branches drew shadows on the blue sky, whispering stories of perseverance in the midst of brilliant mayhem. As the moon gently brushes across the houses, it seems to radiate an otherworldly light that fills the sleepy town. In an effort to capture the spirit of van Gogh's expressive brushstrokes, I have tried to put his dynamic compositions and vivid colors into poetic prose. I want to convey the painting's spirit, its otherworldly allure, and the cosmic powers at work by using symbolic language and striking images. My goal in going into such depth with the scenario was to show how the night sky and the land worked in perfect harmony so that the reader might feel like they were there. The use of rhythmic phrasing and vivid descriptive language was an attempt to capture the painting's vibrant energy and tranquil but evocative mood.

Analysis and Justification

For its force and emotion, this ekphrasis initiative picked "Starry Night" by Vincent van Gogh. The painting's vivid sky and streaming stars captivate. These factors weave a complex word interpretation tapestry. It was important to express the artwork's emotional and bodily effects. The purpose was to write about painting’s passion and beauty (Alpiner, 2021). Lyrical language and vivid visuals were used to describe van Gogh's masterpiece. The idea was to change readers' perceptions of the image. The artwork's cosmic harmony and serene but strong vitality were praised. Writing a piece that evokes van Gogh's heavenly dance brings the audience to a place where words transcend explanation, which was the aim. In conclusion, the ekphrasis explained "Starry Night" and made readers feel like they were viewing van Gogh's eternal creation's celestial beauty.

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Module 13 Assignment: Not Seen on TV 

Video Analysis: Bill Viola's Ascension

"Ascension," a video by Bill Viola, invites us to reflect and question traditional thoughts of heaven and hell. Viola is a trailblazer in video artwork, delving into the opportunities of transferring images outside conventional narrative frameworks. "Ascension" opens with a serene scene: an enormous body of darkish water with a single sunbeam poking through. A fully dressed man, his hands lifted in a Christ-like position, plunges powerfully into the water. The first quiet is broken using churning waves, loud noises, and a flurry of bubbles inside the air. The diver progressively disappears from view as he rises towards the surface. This little section is expanded into a one-minute observation of space and time through Viola's post-production work, which additionally raises problems concerning the means of ascend and fall (Cerantola, zero:03–1:50). With its motion of light, the undersea scene becomes a visual illustration of spiritual awakening and changed awareness. "Ascension" stimulates reflection on the meaning entwined with its images. Viola employs the dual metaphor of water—a place for spiritual rebirth and a means of accomplishing altered awareness—to subvert the traditional perception of paradise above and hell below. Viewers must reconsider deeply held beliefs about the afterlife by contrasting the name and the visual. By blending the differences between ascent and descent, Viola challenges our preconceptions about spiritual regions and invites us to immerse ourselves in his visual universe. A more profound message concerning the flexibility of belief and the transforming ability of immersion seemed to be conveyed inside the film. Viola's objectives can be better understood by comparing artistic mediums like poetry or painting. How the light plays within the underwater scenes conveys a sense of depth and mystery, much like chiaroscuro does in paintings. The video's repetitive, nearly hypnotic quality is probably compared to a few kinds of poetry, wherein meaning exhibits itself step by step and encourages contemplation. "Ascension" questions how we typically engage with moving visuals, specifically when it comes to television. In comparison to the episodic narrative of television, Viola's work needs a distinct plot. Instead, it promotes an extra flexible and reflective method. The video is far shorter than a usual TV scene, which tests our thinking and necessitates a faster, more contemplative watch. "Ascension" challenges our belief of the methods wherein shifting visuals would possibly talk by deviating from the linear flow of television and encouraging viewers to adopt a more immersive and reflective interaction. In conclusion, Bill Viola's "Ascension" pushes the edge of conventional narrative and challenges listeners' preconceptions about spiritual symbols. The immersive components of the video, along with its distinct viewpoint on time and space, distinguish it from conventional television and query our comprehension of shifting pictures and their ability to elicit deep meaning.

Work Cited

Cerantola, Bernard. “Ascension Bill Viola.” YouTube, YouTube Video, 31 Jan. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C66IBBpWYs

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Tragedy Scripted and Staged

Module 12 Assignment: Tragedy Scripted and Staged

The analysis of the depicted scene in the video seems to be congruous with the thematic elements expounded in Act III, Scene III of Shakespeare's "Hamlet." Both mediums concomitantly depict King Claudius' profound sense of remorse and culpability for his transgressions, notably the regicide of his fraternal predecessor, King Hamlet. The video accentuates Claudius' internal conflict as he grapples with the profound burden of his misdeeds, in accordance with the textual narrative.

The video elucidates supplementary intricacies in the delineation of Claudius' character and emotional states. In contrast to the written text, which furnishes his soliloquy, the visual medium incorporates non-verbal cues, facial expressions, and vocal intonations that have the potential to augment the portrayal of his inner turmoil. Furthermore, the video conveys his remorse and desolation with a heightened vividness and immediacy, aspects that might not be as prominently emphasized in the literary narrative.

In both the textual and visual representations, King Claudius emerges as a character profoundly afflicted by remorse and culpability stemming from his antecedent transgressions. He exhibits a cognizance of the gravity of his wrongdoings, most notably the fratricide of his predecessor, and undergoes a relentless emotional tumult due to the ramifications of his actions. The theatrical mise-en-scène serves as a conduit for illustrating Claudius' internal strife, with the physical settings concomitantly mirroring his psychological state. Furthermore, the characters of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are imbued with a heightened degree of depth as they dutifully adhere to Claudius's directive to dispatch Hamlet to England, thereby enriching their respective roles (William, 2010).

The analysis of Claudius's portrayal in this scene, as inferred from the furnished textual and visual sources, appears to manifest a Claudius characterized by a profound consciousness of his transgressions and their attendant repercussions. His psyche is beset by an overwhelming sense of guilt, as he endeavors to seek redemption or absolution for his deeds. This interpretation inclines toward a rendition of Claudius that accentuates his remorseful disposition and proclivity for introspection, thereby underscoring the inner turmoil and ethical quandary intrinsic to his character.

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Anatomy of a Scene

A Comparative Analysis of Moonlight and Some Like It Hot

I watched the film Moonlight from the selection in List A, and Some like It Hot from List B. Moonlight serves as a compelling and emotionally resonant dramatic work, delving into the life of a young African-American man named Chiron. The narrative centers on Chiron's struggles related to his identity and sexuality within the challenging context of a Miami neighborhood. The film's pacing is notably deliberate, fostering a profound connection between the audience and Chiron's life journey across three pivotal life stages.

Moonlight excels in its composition of scenes, characterized by aesthetically pleasing visuals (Isis, 2016). The cinematographic choices place a significant emphasis on naturalistic lighting and a minimalist set design. These elements collectively contribute to an atmosphere that authentically captures the raw and intimate essence of the narrative. The employment of technical features such as close-up shots and long takes plays a crucial role in heightening the emotional resonance of the storytelling. Moonlight artfully weaves a dramatic narrative characterized by moments of subtle beauty that further enrich the viewer's understanding (Isis, 2016). The film's narrative depth transcends the surface, delving into explorations of identity, masculinity, and love with remarkable insight and sensitivity. 

On the contrary, Some Like It Hot, directed by Billy Wilder, is a seminal work in cinematic comedy. This film narrates the escapades of two musicians who witness a criminal incident perpetrated by a mob (Callie, 2023). To evade the relentless pursuit of these mobsters, the protagonists assume female identities and infiltrate an all-female musical ensemble. The film's pacing is characterized by its rapid tempo, enriched by witty dialogue and slapstick humor. The staging is marked by its vivid and extravagant visual elements, effectively capturing the comedic spirit emblematic of the 1950s. The film's technical elements, notably the implementation of brisk editing techniques and the utilization of exaggerated acting, are instrumental in fostering its comedic resonance (Callie, 2023). These technical features meticulously contribute to the film's overarching comedic effect. Besides, the ambient qualities of the film, characterized by its vibrant and humor-laden depiction of gender dynamics and deceit, harmonize seamlessly with the broader thematic focus on absurd comedy and the motif of mistaken identities."

In the scene wherein Joe, portrayed by Tony Curtis, endeavors to woo Sugar, played by Marilyn Monroe, a deliberate arrangement of camera shots accentuates the stark disparity between Joe's overtly masculine demeanor and the inherent fragility of his female impersonation. The editing of this scene is executed to instill a comical tension as Joe grapples with upholding the illusion of his feminine persona while making romantic advances (Callie, 2023). The utilization of lighting in this context is instrumental in heightening the sensual undertones of the sequence, thereby augmenting the comedic elements by underscoring the sheer absurdity of Joe's predicament. Furthermore, the artistry exhibited in the acting performance, particularly by Tony Curtis, is evident as he adeptly negotiates the complexities of embodying two distinct personas within the same scene. Although Some Like It Hotpredominantly belongs to the comedy genre, it provides a nuanced perspective on identity and the extent to which individuals will navigate for self-preservation. The scene I have serves as a microcosm of the film's examination of concepts such as gender, deception, and attraction, constituting an integral component of the overarching thematic narrative of the movie.

In summary, Moonlight and Some Like It Hot exemplify disparate cinematic genres. "Moonlight" is characterized by its profound and reflective examination of personal identity, while "Some Like It Hot" excels in comedy by skillfully employing humor to depict deceit. A meticulous analysis of a particular sequence from Some Like It Hot underscores the film's intricate interplay of technical and thematic components, emphasizing the critical role of structure and meticulous attention to detail in realizing the intended impact of a motion picture.