#Contemplative*

[imaginal-ai]

"The Meditations of Kendrick" (0005)

(More of The Meditations and Ecstasies Series)

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[sictransitgloriamvndi]

[stanford-photography]

Portrait of Leah, Lancaster, Pennsylvania By Jeff Stanford, 2024 Buy prints at: https://jeff-stanford.pixels.com/

[alexthebordercollie]

No special reason but I felt like drawing Sam Manson. I woke up with this mental image in my head and wanted to draw it. I wanted to try to capture the vibe of sitting at the back of the bleachers and trying to tune out another mandatory pep rally while writing or drawing in your journal. Trying to capture the look of the 2000s emo kid crowd. As I inch closer to 30 I find myself increasingly nostalgic for the comforting familiar aesthetics of being an edgy introverted art kid in the noughties. I gave her a more realistic body, making her slightly chubby and frumpy looking like most teenagers who are still growing and filling out and learning how to dress themselves.

Looking back on Danny Phantom as an adult, I can't help feeling frustrated by Sam's character's missed potential. I remember loving her as a kid because she was one of the few characters I could see some aspect of myself in. That being said, she was written by very out-of-touch middle-aged men who clearly didn't understand the things the subculture Sam represented actually cared about.

If I were to rewrite Danny Phantom I'd call her a vegan because that's an actual real label that means something. I'd probably call her an anarchist. I'd have her say insightful things about the politics she claims to care about instead of making all her dialogue shallow and performative. Even if sometimes her politics were still naive or half-formed because she's young. I'd make her a queer ally instead of threatening to blackmail her male friends with a picture of them cuddling. I'd make her home life a struggle. Either make her family more toxic or just give her a struggling working-class family or maybe both. Most goth/emo kids I knew growing up had good reason to be depressed, disaffected, and rebellious. We were going through shit. Genuine real problems the adults around us didn't care about.

It would be really nice to see Sam written by someone who actually knows what it's like to be an edgy goth teen girl from her generation.

[gbiechele]

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION

“Contemplative Photography: Meditations in the Woods”

I am having a photography exhibition at the Levi Heywood Memorial Library, 55 West Lynde St., Gardner, MA. The exhibition will run from March 1st until March 29, 2024.

Artist's Statement:

Instructions for living a life:

Pay attention

Be astonished

Tell about it

Mary Oliver “Sometimes”

Mary Oliver’s instructions above have become the guiding principles for my photography. Photography has gained importance in my life since it has become a spiritual practice. I try to spend time in nature on a regular basis. It is a time for meditation and a time to clear my thoughts. With a quiet mind I wait to see what calls to me, what “shimmers”. Then I try to capture the subject in a personal, intimate, and emotional way. I am not interested in simply documenting the world, but trying to reveal something essential about myself and the world around me.

If I have been successful, some of these images will touch you, make you feel something of the beauty, astonishment, and wonder I felt during the time I spent creating them.

Each image is accompanied by a Haiku poem, written to express in a few simple words the connection and feelings that I experienced at the time I made the photograph.

I hope you enjoy the time you spend with these images and their invitation to journey inward, enjoy some serenity, and see the world with fresh eyes.

[389]

Contemplative meditation house + prayer chamber Marwan Zgheib

[eirene]

Portrait Of Elizabeth Falconer, Mrs. Stanhope, As Contemplation

Sir Joshua Reynolds

[marlasingeruniverse]

[life-imitates-art-far-more]

Paul Klapper (1865-1928) "Lost in thought (Male back nude lying on a divan)" (1896) Oil on canvas

[poppingmary]

Grace Kelly on her wedding day, looking contemplative. Wonder what she’s thinking?

[imaginal-ai]

"The Meditation of Saint Tariq" (0001)

(The Meditations and Ecstasies Series)

[stanford-photography]

Follow Me Ljubljana, Yugoslavia, 1982 By Jeff Stanford, 2024 Buy prints at: https://jeff-stanford.pixels.com/

[gnosisandtheosis]

Be still and know that I am God Be still and know that I am Be still and know Be still Be

[gingerbredman1989]

A striking and cinematic image of a supremely muscular man sitting on outdoor concrete steps, exuding confidence and strength. The man's defined physique, light body hair, and contemplative expression captivate the viewer.

Ideogram AI

[brunettedelulu]

Feminism and Pop Culture: A Complex Interplay.

In the contemporary socio-cultural landscape, the interplay between feminism and pop culture is both intricate and profound. Pop culture, encompassing various media forms like film, television, music, and literature, serves as a powerful vehicle for disseminating and challenging societal norms. Feminism, as a movement advocating for gender equality and the dismantling of patriarchal structures, finds a fertile yet contentious ground within this sphere.

The Evolution of Feminist Representation :

Historically, pop culture has been a double-edged sword for feminism. On one hand, it has perpetuated stereotypes and reinforced traditional gender roles. The early decades of cinema and television, for instance, often depicted women as passive, subservient, or overly sexualized. Such portrayals not only mirrored societal biases but also contributed to their perpetuation.

However, the feminist movement's waves have progressively infiltrated pop culture, demanding more nuanced and empowered representations of women. The 1970s and 1980s saw the emergence of strong female characters who defied conventional norms, such as Ellen Ripley in Alien and Sarah Connor in Terminator. These characters marked a shift, albeit a gradual one, towards a more complex portrayal of women in media.

Pop Culture as a Platform for Feminist Discourse :

In recent years, pop culture has become an increasingly significant platform for feminist discourse. The rise of social media has democratized content creation and dissemination, allowing feminist voices to challenge mainstream narratives more effectively. Movements like #MeToo have leveraged pop culture to bring issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality to the forefront of public consciousness.

Television series such as The Handmaid’s Tale and films like Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel reflect and amplify feminist ideals, resonating with audiences globally. These narratives not only provide entertainment but also serve as catalysts for discussions on gender politics, power dynamics, and societal change.

The Commercialization of Feminism :

However, the relationship between feminism and pop culture is not without its complexities and contradictions. One significant issue is the commercialization of feminism. Brands and media companies often co-opt feminist rhetoric for profit, diluting its radical essence in the process. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as "commodity feminism," risks transforming a movement aimed at systemic change into a marketable trend devoid of its original political potency. The feminist slogan t-shirts, empowerment-themed advertisements, and "girl boss" narratives proliferating in pop culture can, at times, reduce feminism to a mere aesthetic or consumer choice, rather than a sustained commitment to gender justice. This superficial engagement with feminist ideals highlights the tension between authentic representation and commercial exploitation.

Intersectionality in Pop Culture :

A crucial aspect of modern feminist thought is intersectionality, a concept introduced by Kimberlé Crenshaw. Intersectionality posits that various forms of oppression, such as racism, sexism, and classism, are interconnected and cannot be examined in isolation. Pop culture's engagement with intersectionality has been mixed, with some progress and notable gaps.

For instance, while there have been strides in representing diverse female experiences, much work remains to be done. The success of films like Black Panther and shows like Pose demonstrates a growing recognition of the importance of inclusive storytelling. Yet, the underrepresentation and misrepresentation of marginalized groups, including women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities, persist as critical issues.

Conclusion :

The intersection of feminism and pop culture is a dynamic and evolving terrain. Pop culture holds the potential to both challenge and reinforce societal norms, making it a vital arena for feminist engagement. As consumers and creators, it is imperative to critically examine the media we engage with, advocate for more authentic and inclusive representations, and resist the commodification of feminist ideals. By fostering a more nuanced understanding of gender and intersectionality within pop culture, we can contribute to a more equitable and just society. The journey towards this goal is ongoing, requiring vigilance, creativity, and a commitment to transformative change.