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MODULE 14 EKPHRASIS

Ekphrasis: "The Persistence of Memory" by Salvador Dalí

In the quiet, desolate landscape of time, Beneath a molten sky of burning hues, Melted clocks hang limp, their faces warped, Frozen in the dance of forgotten hours.

A barren tree sprouts from a faceless rock, Its branches, gnarled and bare, hold A sagging pocket watch, drooping like a soft fruit, Defying the rigidity of metal and time.

The mountains in the distance, a silent witness, Stand stoic against the creeping decay. An amorphous creature, stretched and distorted, Lies dormant, cradling the soft watches, As if time itself has succumbed to sleep.

In this surreal tableau, where moments dissolve, And the past, present, and future merge, Reality bends, and the mind unravels, Questioning the essence of time and being.

I picked Salvador Dalí's "The Persistence of Memory" due to its strange imagery that questions traditional views of time. The painting's surreal appearance and the melting clocks have long piqued my interest, forcing me to think more deeply about the fluidity of time and reality. Dalí's work has key aspects like melting clocks, desolate trees, faceless rocks, amorphous creatures, and faraway mountains. These components combine to produce a landscape that defies natural order, generating a sense of timelessness and surrealism. The color palette of the sky and the eerie atmosphere of the setting are equally important in portraying the painting's mood. In my translation, I attempted to capture the weird and disturbing character of the original composition. My description of the melting clocks and lonely landscape aims to generate the same sense of uncertainty and mystery as Dalí's picture. The visual of watches fighting their nature is fundamental to the composition, and I kept it to preserve the original meaning.

Dalí's paintings convey an eerie and quiet tone. It encourages viewers to consider the nature of time and reality. My poem expresses this experience with descriptive language accentuating the scene's artificial and dreamy aspects. The terms "molten sky," "warped faces," and "gnarled branches" were used to create a feeling of distortion and surrealism. I reproduced the visual features by meticulously explaining each essential picture aspect. The melting clocks, bare trees, and faceless rock are all emphasized to generate a clear mental picture. Dalí's art incorporates the amorphous monster and distant mountains to create a panorama for readers to imagine. My ekphrasis adds a lyrical dimension to the original composition, stressing the fluidity and ambiguity of time. By putting the visual features into words, I provide a new way to experience the artwork, emphasizing the emotional and philosophical problems it poses. This method provides a deeper understanding of Dalí's art, highlighting its everlasting significance and universal curiosity about time.

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The Manifesto of Reflective Transcendence

Introduction: Embracing Reflection and Transcendence through Art

In an age of instant gratification and transitory encounters, my journey through the arts has revealed a deeper path: the search for thoughtful transcendence. This declaration aims to promote art that encourages contemplation, fosters a greater understanding of our lives, and raises the banal to the exceptional. By studying the pieces I've worked with this semester, I'll show how art can serve as a conduit for contemplation and transcendence, encouraging us to go beyond the surface and connect with the essence of our existence. Reflective transcendence is defined as encountering art that attracts our senses and stirs our souls, leading us to consider our role in the world and the complexities of our human predicament. This credo emphasizes the importance of art that fosters silence and reflection, which takes us beyond the immediate and tangible to the abstract and profound. It challenges the shallow intake of visual and aural stimuli that pervade our daily lives, instead advocating for an interaction with art that promotes a deeper, more meaningful bond.

Examples of Reflective Transcendence in My Blog Posts:

Jim Rennert's artwork "It Happens" in Naples, Florida, is a classic example of reflected transcendence. This sculpture of a businessman staring skyward captures modern life's daily challenges and ambitions. Its full-round design encourages spectators to wander around it, interact with it from various perspectives, and reflect on their experiences and goals. The sculpture portrays the universal lesson of endurance in the face of adversity, inspiring people to see their own path reflected in its shape. This painting exemplifies art's ability to transcend commonplace difficulties to a universal level, provoking contemplation and empathy.

Bill Viola's video artwork "Ascension" combines slow-motion and aquatic visuals to create a relaxing experience. The video depicts a man plunging into water, surrounded by ethereal light and rising bubbles. This piece deviates from typical storytelling, concentrating instead on eliciting feelings and thoughts regarding metamorphosis, rebirth, and the subconscious. "Ascension" invites spectators to slow down, immerse themselves in the sensory experience, and consider life, death, and transcendence issues. Moving pictures in this manner broadens our knowledge of video art, encouraging us to connect more introspectively, much like poetry or abstract painting.

Shakespeare's "Hamlet" is a timeless investigation of the human condition, and Act III, Scene IV, dubbed "The Closet Scene," is especially rich in introspective transcendence. The passionate encounter between Hamlet and Queen Gertrude, characterized by vivid imagery and dramatic irony, explores guilt, morality, and the complexities of familial relationships. The language used in this sequence and its emotional depth invite viewers to consider their moral compass and the nature of forgiveness and redemption. Watching a staged rendition of this scenario increased my understanding of its multiple meanings and the ability of performance to elicit reflection.

Opposition: Rejecting Superficial Consumption

My manifesto condemns shallow art consumption, which favors instant delight over deeper participation. In a society inundated with rapid, readily consumable material, the contemplative transcendence movement promotes work that requires time, patience, and thought. It opposes the monetization of art as background noise or ornamental features, instead advocating for art that questions, provokes, and alters the observer.

The Role of Reflective Transcendence in Our Lives

Reflective transcendence in art enhances our lives by giving us a respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It helps us to reconnect with our inner selves, which promotes serenity and understanding. Engaging with art that stimulates introspection allows us to grow empathy, discover fresh views, and find consolation in the shared human experience.

Conclusion: A Call to Reflect and Transcend

Finally, the Reflective Transcendence Manifesto advocates for a deeper, more meaningful relationship with art. By honoring works such as Jim Rennert's "It Happens," Bill Viola's "Ascension," and Shakespeare's "Hamlet," we recognize the transforming power of art in encouraging introspection and elevating our awareness of the human condition. Let us embrace art that goes beyond the commonplace, inspires us to think about our experiences, and ultimately enhances our lives in meaningful and long-lasting ways.

My manifesto summarizes my aesthetic journey and is a road map for future artistic endeavors. It argues for a society where art is appreciated for its potential to alter and transcend.

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MODULE 13 NOT SEEN ON TV

Bill Viola's video artwork "Ascension" is a stunning and contemplative work that captivates with its use of slow motion and underwater scenery. The video displays a lone individual falling into a body of water, evoking a sense of calm and introspection. The figure lowers gently, bubbles emerging and light flowing through the water, making a peaceful but otherworldly feeling. This fall is the focal point of the work, with every detail precisely recorded, from the way the water ripples around the body to the ghostly quality of the light.

The visual and experiential nuances of "Ascension" are incredibly stunning. The cleanliness of the water, the soft play of shadow and light, and the figure's exquisite, almost balletic motions all add to the mesmerizing visual experience. Slow motion increases the viewer's understanding of every slight movement and change, highlighting the fluidity and calm of the underwater world.

"Ascension" conveys without a typical narrative, free of the limits of storytelling. This permits the composition to express feelings and thoughts more creatively and open-endedly. The video addresses transformation, immortality, and the relationship between life and death. Sinking into water can be seen as an analogy for immersion in the subconscious or the unknown, implying an internal journey or a transition to another level of consciousness.

The film challenges viewers to consider their ideas of the universe, eternity, and humanity. It promotes a meditative mood by encouraging viewers to slow down and become immersed in the piece's visual and emotional impact. The artwork emphasizes rebirth and cleansing, as water is frequently associated with these ideals in numerous social and spiritual contexts.

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MODULE 12 Tragedy Scripted and Staged

Act III, Scene IV, widely known as the "Closet Scene," piqued my interest due to its tremendous emotional conflict and essential place in the play. This scene depicts a private talk between Hamlet and his mother, Queen Gertrude, in her chambers. It is full of dramatic tension, offering profound psychological insights into both characters while moving the story ahead with pivotal disclosures and acts.

In the following scene, Hamlet confronts Queen Gertrude about her marriage to Claudius, who displays contempt and sadness. During their heated argument, Hamlet mistakenly murders Polonius, who is hidden behind a tapestry, believing it is Claudius. This act of violence exacerbates Hamlet's perceived craziness and increases the rift between him and the royal family. The scene also includes the ghost of King Hamlet, who comes to remind Hamlet of his goal to avenge his father's death. Still, Gertrude cannot see the ghost, adding to the supernatural tension and doubting Hamlet's sanity. Shakespeare's vocabulary in this passage is complete with images and rhetorical tricks. As Hamlet chastises his mother, he employs caustic metaphors and similes throughout his utterances. For example, Hamlet depicts Gertrude and Claudius' marriage as "stewed in dishonesty, honeying and making love / Over the nasty sty." This powerful vision emphasizes his repulsion and moral anger.

The scene also showcases Shakespeare's use of dramatic irony. The audience knows Polonius's position behind the arras, establishing a feeling of impending dread before Hamlet stabs him. This mistaken identification deed is essential, escalating Hamlet's inner agony and triggering terrible events. Hamlet's relationship with the ghost is another critical component of the drama. The ghost's apparition strengthens Hamlet's feeling of responsibility and the play's supernatural components while also increasing the mystery around Hamlet's mental condition. Gertrude's failure to perceive the ghost calls into doubt the validity of Hamlet's visions and sanity.

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MODULE 11 Anatomy of a Scene

Spike Jonze directs Being John Malkovich, a surreal comedy created by Charlie Kaufman. The film follows Craig Schwartz, a poor puppeteer who discovers a doorway that takes him directly into the mind of actor John Malkovich. This unusual concept sets the setting for a sequence of amusing and thought-provoking events in which many individuals use the gateway for their own ends. The film's speed is quick, with each scene adding to the increasing absurdity and philosophical themes about individuality and desire. The technical aspects, such as using unique camera angles and smooth transitions inside Malkovich's head, add to the strange mood. At the same time, the snappy language and eccentric performances contribute to the darkly humorous impact.

Tod Browning directed Freaks, a 1932 horror film set in a circus sideshow filled by people with varied physical abnormalities. The plot revolves around Cleopatra, a gorgeous trapeze artist who conspires with her strongman boyfriend, Hercules, to marry and murder Hans, a midget performer, for his fortune. The film is renowned for its sympathetic depiction of the sideshow entertainers, who join together to get vengeance on Cleopatra and Hercules after discovering the conspiracy. Freaks' pace is purposeful, with suspense built through character development and the plot's progressively dark overtones. Browning's use of genuine sideshow performers gives the picture a dimension of realism and poignancy. At the same time, the intense lights and stark black-and-white photography contribute to its disturbing atmosphere. One very striking moment in Freaks takes place at the notorious wedding supper. This sequence is essential, combining drama and horror to highlight the film's themes of brotherhood and treachery. The arrangement has the sideshow performers gathering around a large table to celebrate Hans and Cleopatra's wedding. The action opens with medium shots that provide a cheerful tone as the performers sing, "Gooble gobble, we accept her, one of us!" The camera pans to catch the attendees' various faces, fostering a sense of community among the "freaks" while emphasizing the ordinary nature of their celebration.

Both films rely heavily on technical factors such as lighting, set design, and pace to express more profound concepts and captivate the spectator. While John Malkovich investigates identity through surreal comedy and philosophical questions, Freaks employs dramatic tension and genuine depictions to question conceptions of normalcy and ugliness.

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MODULE 6 POETIC LICENSE

May all living things be happy one day. But let them take their time.

-jessica Abughattas

The poem "May all living things / be happy one day. / But let them take their time." expresses a simple yet profound desire for global pleasure. In ordinary language, this translates to a positive message that all creatures will ultimately discover joy while acknowledging that this journey shouldn't be rushed and can occur at its own speed. The poem's aesthetic is defined by its shortness and its meditative tone. It has a simple design uses a few words to communicate a profound, universal feeling. The language is simple, but the underlying message encourages meditation on the concept of pleasure and the value of patience. The poem does not use obvious metaphors, yet its clearness and transparency allow for various interpretations. The lack of vivid imagery or particular instances enables readers to transfer their emotions and views into the poem, making it applicable to everyone. The calm tone and use of consonance provide a relaxing and introspective reading experience. The poem focuses on the abstract idea of pleasure for all living creatures. Although it does not identify a specific visual, the concept of happiness provides the core image, evoking a generally recognized sense of calm and well-being. "take their time" represents the natural development process and the slow path to pleasure. It implies that gaining happiness is a gradual, organic process that emerges in time. The underlying message is that pleasure is a lengthy process that requires patience—it is both reassuring and reasonable. It avoids the haste frequently linked with pursuing happiness, instead encouraging a more organic and welcoming approach to life's journey. This principle is both ageless and widely relevant, giving the poetry a deeper meaning.

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MODULE 5 ARCHITECTURAL INTERIORS

As you walk into my house, you are welcomed by a lived-in home feeling with family pictures and personalized pictures that my siblings and I have made for my mom. The ceilings are shockingly high, giving off a sense of airiness and openness in the space, even though big furniture is taking up most of the walking space allowed. There are paintings all over the wall, mixes of gold, brown, and blue all in the center painting, giving off sensations of calmness and safety in the house, almost as if when present in the house, nothing can or would be harmful to you. The living room has three big windows, allowing all the Naples sunlight to the pier in and providing warmth while sitting on the couch conversing or watching a show yourself. The glass door in the kitchen offers an immense amount of sunlight, as natural light is the primary lighting source throughout the day in my house, and my parents and I absolutely adore being outside. Overall, My house is a domestic place as it provides an array of feelings from within and gives off vibes of an immense amount of space due to the high ceilings. The tremendous amount of sunlight provides warmth, happiness, and joy as you can just stare at the day's beauty.

Unlike my house, The temporary apartment I am in is the opposite. There's barely any sunlight-visible, which is such a change from my home, with big windows allowing a tremendous amount of the sun to give the sensations of warmth and safety. The place is cluttered with stuff from my house, as it isn't an ample space with much wiggle room. There are no home-like paintings or pictures around that provide the sensations that my house provided not only for me but also for all my friends and family. However, the vibes of the house give off the feeling of living in a safe without the sunlight and paintings due to the different little lamps that provide a little light at night.

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MODULE 7 PLOTTING

Jessica followed a perfectly planned routine, a soothing ritual that started her day on a usual note (situation A). This Tuesday, however, began with an unforeseen twist. Just as she entered the kitchen to get her usual cup of coffee, she heard a massive crash in the living room. Jessica's heart skipped a beat as she dashed toward the noise source. She discovered her cat, Luna, entangled in the blinds, and her desperate attempts to separate himself only made things worse (Change). Jessica swiftly assessed what happened, her thoughts racing as she carefully untangled Luna and examined her for damage. She was uninjured but noticeably scared. While comforting her, she noticed the blinds were beyond repair. Jessica knew she couldn't leave her windows exposed; on her way to the store, she took another route, going through a charming area she had never seen before. She discovered a delightful modest boutique, rather than a large chain store, full of unusual home décor products. Jessica spent more time there than she expected, conversing with the helpful owner and discovering items that would give character to her house. This unexpected encounter derailed her carefully scheduled morning and provided a startling feeling of adventure. She broke free from her routine for the first time in weeks and embraced the moment's spontaneity (Situation B). By nightfall, Jessica had fitted new, more lasting blinds and treated herself to a coffee at a café she had never been to. Jessica sat sipping her cup of coffee, Luna purring peacefully on her lap, reflecting on the day's events. The incident reminded her of the value of adaptability and the unexpected benefits that might result from a disrupted routine.

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MODULE 4 PUBLIC ART

For this assignment, I chose this statue, which you can find on 5th Ave. I've walked by and questioned millions of times about its normality. The sculpture is a full-round portrayal of a masculinely clothed human person. He lacks distinguishable facial characteristics yet wears the standard short haircut and suit, indicating he works in business. The figure is more prominent than the usual person on the sidewalk, but it is intended to be in their presence. It appears a man stopped at a crosswalk, smelled what he had walked in, and became stuck. This sculpture was made by Jim Rennert before commencing his sculptural career; the artist worked in business for a decade. So, one approach to interpreting the message of this sculpture is to look at a typical but stressful event in the lives of those who work in business. Socially, the sculpture expresses the community's enthusiasm for persistence and a cheerful approach to everyday obstacles. Which means prioritizing, acknowledging, and addressing these shared experiences lightheartedly and empathetically. Aesthetically, the sculpture embodies the qualities of realism and relatability, creating an approachable work of art that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people. Jim Rennert created a series of sculptures called "Suits," which he later renamed "Everyman." His paintings highlight the problems we experience when we contemplate our options. They represent all of us. This sculpture, titled "It Happens," brings us together and makes practically everyone who views it happy. We have all been there. At some point, we have to scrape it off and go on.

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At first glance at Natvar Bhavsar's painting, you don't connect or feel any emotion, but as you sit with it and develop a connection, you start to feel all the colors speak to you. As I look at the artwork, I feel calm, settling in due to the darkness and dullness of the colors. However, while the different shades of blue and purple give off those specific sensations, the brighter, warmer colors, like light orange and almost pink, give me hope and happiness. Bhavsar used specific powered paints that created texture to provide depth and movement to the artwork. This texture gives off a tactile sensation as if one could nearly feel the fineness of the colors. The artwork induces a quiet response, immersing people in various colors while reflecting on their feelings and ideas. The downward movement of Bhavsar's brush strokes feeds into the sensation of calmness, giving a feeling of heaviness and grounding.

Bhavsar's art is abstract, leaving much to the viewer's imagination and generating a feeling of mystery. The absence of definite shapes allows viewers to imprint their perceptions and feelings onto the picture. This uncertainty may arouse interest and astonishment as viewers are inspired to investigate the painting's depths and find their meanings. The interaction of light and shadow within the hues results in a dynamic visual experience. The shifts in intensity and saturation might make the viewers feel as if they are seeing natural phenomena. The painting's fluidity promotes an immersive, almost tactile connection, resulting in a powerfully evocative and multidimensional piece of art.

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MODULE 2 REPRESENTATIVE WORK

Salvador Dalí's masterpiece "The Persistence of Memory" represents my sensibility and ideals. This bizarre work uniquely combines imagination, depth, and reflection. Its Known for its dreamy quality and ability to distort reality. The melting clocks draped over a barren landscape call into question traditional ideas of time and place, encouraging viewers to look beyond ordinary events and explore the abstract. This is consistent with my admiration for innovation, imagination, and the value of challenging established standards.

Since a very young age, I have always had an extreme imagination, no matter what setting I was in. At first glance at this picture, it makes no sense, but to someone with an extreme imagination, an infinite amount of interpretations could be made. The clocks draped over the barren and the tree make it seem like time is tired and overused. The environment in this picture gives me a sense of desolation and allows so many possibilities to be thought about for the reason for desolation in this world. The painting's bizarre, almost extraterrestrial aura connects with my desire to explore the unknown and descend into the subconscious. Dalí's rigorous attention to detail and surreal aspects create a captivating combination of accuracy and imagination for the viewers of the painting.

This painting allows viewers whose minds are more closed off to depict a world where the familiar becomes strange, and the unthinkable becomes likely, inspiring viewers to broaden their imaginations and embrace the unfamiliar. This spoke to me as I always question the unfamiliar and never believe that anything is impossible in this world.

After seeing and evaluating "The Persistence of Memory," I found that it expresses a combination of creativity, self-analysis, and deeper thought consistent with my sensitivity and values, making it an appropriate depiction of what I value in art and life.