itsatotodile

[itsatotodile]

Pentathlon: Social Distancing Version

https://www.ted.com/talks/michelle_brown_what_is_a_butt_tuba_and_why_is_it_in_medieval_art\

So in lieu of going to an in-person event, let’s use this TED talk instead.

Michelle Brown’s “What is a butt tuba and why is it in medieval art?” is short, but a good listen. Starting with the fun images of a giant snail or capturing unicorns to catch your attention, the talk goes into the circumstances and environment that would lead to this kind of margin art; not that it makes the art itself any less wacky.

Medieval artists might’ve drawn and painted the art for morals or religious reasons, meant to be symbolic or meaningful, but in a way the margin art is just like the ones people doodle in their notebooks today. I guess people will still create art no matter the era, whether it be fancy metaphorical depictions of a butt tuba or a doodle of a hamster in a face mask.

[itsatotodile]

Writers Here and Now: Yiyun Li & Javier Zamora Feb 12, 2020

'tis Pentathlon time again.

I am once again asking for the gap in dates to be ignored.

I've never been to a live reading before, but I very much enjoyed listening to both Yiyun Li and Javier Zamora's selections. There were great jokes and tearjerkers, from the comedic banter between the Nanny and Housewife in Li's story to Javier's poem referring to the guardian that helped him cross the border.

Reading the pieces is one thing, but listening to the words being read, especially with little quirks and nuances added, really brings the writing to life.

[itsatotodile]

Concert in Close Quarters, CCC 1/29

Guess who's back, back again

Pentathlon.

Well, being weeks late aside, the concert, featuring Leyla McCalla, was an absolute blast experience. Her songs were wonderful to listen too, witty with words and alluring in melody; personally, my favorite was the "Money is King." The song's groovy, but the words hit hard when you pay attention to the lyrics.

The Q&A sessions in between jams was pretty interesting too, especially with the question le fellow scholars asked. Hopefully there's more events like this in the future!

[itsatotodile]

Gamer Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert Nov 24, 2019

It is pentathlon event 5, although I also went to watch the orchestra because I wanted to. The symphony was amazing, and even made me want to try playing some of the games featured again, although that would have to wait until after finals.

As for how it would relate to being an Arts Scholar, that would be two things: 1, music is art, and 2, games are also art. Anyone who disagrees with 2, fight me.

[itsatotodile]

Its late (shhh) but I went to John Mulaney's Comedy Show (hurray!).

October 30, 8 PM

Both the opening and main act were amazing, and seeing it live made everything feel almost surreal. It really says something when you laugh so hard your mouth gets dry! Shout out to my roommate for being a member of the shorts-in-the-middle-of-winter-and-pouring-rain club, and everyone who applauded everytime he drank water. Stay hydrated, people.

[itsatotodile]

Second Season October 18, 2019 at le Clarice again

Went to go see a play and dance combo, although the 2 were unrelated to each other, since a friend was in the dance performance :D

Overall it was a really fun experience. The play was hilarious, especially with the improv bits, and the dance was really unique. I couldn't tell exactly what was going on, but I enjoyed it.

[itsatotodile]

Dvorak’s Eighth Symphony Oct 5, 2019 at the Clarice

An impressive performance by the orchestra, the music just awe-inspiring especially with how the sound echoed and surrounded us! Out of the three pieces, my favorite was Blue Cathedral, composed by Jennifer Higdon. Just listening to the beginning gave me goosebumps.

On a semi-unrelated note, it was quite the coincidence that I went to a music performance right before today’s CPSA class where we were reading poems with music.

[itsatotodile]

Convocation August 29, 2019

So Convocation was a sort of presentation, with a succession of different talks, performances, videos, activities. One of the really notable things that happened was the interactive flashlight voting, where the room was pitch black save for the question on the screen. When we lit our phones to say yes, the room lit up like stars in the sky, erasing almost all of the darkness. It was breathtaking.

[itsatotodile]

NextNowFest2019

What did you see/hear/learn that was completely new to you? (2 points)

New music, especially from genres I don’t usually listen to.

What was your favorite performance/experience? Why was it your favorite? (2 points)

My favorite was the the rooftop art installation The Unapologetic Street Series by Johanna Toruno, due to the uniqueness in having visitors put up some of the art and the bold messages being conveyed.

What instances did you notice where artists were collaborating or working beyond the boundaries of a particular arts discipline? How do you think collaboration and interdisciplinariyy are helping to push the boundaries of what we understand art to be?  (3 points)

The atmosphere and spaces of the different artists were melded together, such as the music band in the main entrance providing ambient music for the neighboring interactive exhibit; instead of separation the different mediums and expressions were combined into one place. As such, the collaboration itself could even be its own art form.