#sparkmagazine

[childrenofghost]

@thebandghost featured in the latest issue of @magazine_spark (Czech). For more info visit spark-rockmagazine.cz 👻 ・・・ #Ghost #GhostBC #TheBandGhost #GhostTheBand #GhostBand #PapaEmeritus #PapaEmeritusII #PapaEmeritusIII #NamelessGhouls #NamelessGhoul #OpusEponymous #Infestissumam #IfYouHaveGhost #Meliora #Popestar #LomaVista #LomaVistaRecordings #ReaktorRecordings #SpinefarmRecords #Spark #SparkMagazine #SparkRockMagazine #ChildrenofGhost #ChildrenofGhostDotCom #CoG

[rkvc]

#tbt Spark Magazine party, our dates even match!⠀ ⠀ #dates #sparkmagazine #matchingdates #instagood #photooftheday #instamood #picoftheday #igers #instadaily #instagramhub #follow #igdaily #bestoftheday #followme #fun #rkvc (at Los Angeles, California)

[sparkonlinemagazine]

The Architecture of the Powerful

Since the beginning of civilization, Politics and Architecture have co-existed and flourished mutually. From pyramids that guide the dead, to skyscrapers that touch the heavens, architectural structures throughout history have long been made to please both rulers and plebeians. Yet, sometimes it can also be used to fuel a person’s “hidden agendas.”

One must understand that Architecture, when used well, can be a tool to foster meaningful cultural, social, and ideological change. In the same way, it is also a tool to propagate the political views, ideologies, and myths of those in power.

Architecture, nonetheless, is a visual expression of society and subject to its political environment. The great architect, Le Corbusier, once said, “Architecture is never neutral. It is governed by the power structures of society. So the architect, whether aware or [not], intuitively perpetuate[s] some form of power relation even in a given architectural form.” In this light, it is better to see politics as an inclusive environmental factor that dictates not only society but also the architecture it creates.

Architecture too is a silent but incredibly powerful form of propaganda, and it can perpetuate chosen ideologies into society through its mere existence and usage. It is an art form that has existed and been used for hundreds of years. However, it can continue to be utilized to suit contemporary needs through changes in form or function.

Unsurprisingly, architectural buildings garner a great sentimental value from the public, even more so than art. No other visual medium can uplift, divide, and even infuriate a people better than architecture can. And it is this magnetic and fascinating nature of architecture that makes it a powerful medium.

Rulers and authoritarians have long known of the great psychological and sociological effects architecture has on people. After all, iconic architecture establishes myths with ease and affects the collective views of the public. Perhaps, that is why powerful individuals often utilize architecture for their own means.

In an interview with architecture professor, Arch. Ady Yazon, he points out multiple cases where governments and entities have used architecture to perpetuate political ideologies.

“The Spanish time had religious architecture and Hispanic military architecture. And during the American time they had institutional architecture –schools-  because the Americans wanted to educate the Filipinos. “

This kind of political architecture is heavily dependent on the social hierarchies of the time. The structures of these past eras reflect the culture and preferences of the ruling class. And despite the eventual assimilation of local forms, many of these buildings are still regarded as foreign and colonial in origin and form.

Whoever holds the most power in a society will ultimately hold its architecture as well. In another interview with co-professor, Gerard Lico, he goes to say, “It’s [architecture and power] a dialogical relationship because you cannot produce architecture without money. Kasi, you need money, [and] resources to make architecture realizable. So at the same time, in planning architecture, you’re also translating the social structures of society, so it’s a dialogue between architecture and the environment.”

True enough, the most powerful individual in Philippine history has himself used architecture to further his own political agenda. The Marcos regime saw the construction of expensive and grandiose buildings that perpetuated various myths about the presidency.

“The Marcos regime” Lico added, “employed the power of architecture to perpetuate certain myths of modernity, myths of modern progress, and myths of nation. So these [their] architecture, they systematically used architecture to gain power, because through architecture they were able to legitimize their claim to power. Because architecture is power made visible.”

Today, the architecture of the Marcos regime still stand as a testimony to the unsettling effectivity of the plunderous Dictator. Even now, after thirty years, the great amount of infrastructures built during his time are still used to justify Marcos’ dictatorial rule. And despite many thousands of detractors, his commissioned works can still help propel his own son’s bid to vice-presidency and garner the blind love and dedication of millions more.

For something as beautiful and well-meaning as architecture to be used as poster-boards for rulers is unsettling - but ultimately real. We cannot deny the effects architecture has on popular thought. Even today, we still associate great buildings to the “great” men who built it.

In our current era, the politics of architecture has changed its face. As the Philippines progresses economically, business conglomerates and companies now hold vast amounts of resources and power. And alongside their race to dominate the market, they compete vertically as well, creating buildings to reach the skies. Inevitably, our cities and mindsets will change just as quickly.

As Professor Lico says, “The power [of architects] is derived from the ability to realize that there is the working of power of politics behind architecture. With the knowledge of politics, we are able not to be manipulated, but to become more critical and make buildings.”

Perhaps our job as architects is to understand how power operates through architecture, and in turn liberate not only ourselves, but the public as well. Even if some buildings are created to oppress others, we must have faith in our knowledge and understanding of architecture; so in turn, we may utilize the structures of power to create architecture that shall be for, not against, the people.

(Photo taken from Juice.ph)

[kiskelized]

Check this great photo gallery - Tobias Sammet's Avantasia played at Masters Of Rock Festival, Czech Republic...  Pictures by Radek Sich (Spark Magazine). Link: http://www.spark-rockmagazine.cz/live-masters-of-rock-2016-day-2  #Avantasia #TobiasSammet #Tobi #Kiske #MichaelKiske #Unisonic #Helloween #TheMetalOpera #MetalOpera #Edguy #OliverHartmann #Edguy #GhostlightsTour #MOR #MastersOfRock #Festival #MastersOfRockFestival #Spark #SparkMagazine #RadekSich

[whoaitsmadeline]

I had some serious alien-skater-princess vines yesterday after my Spark Magazine shoot

[magazinespark]

I left because I got scared. I stopped writing because I was terrified I couldn't impress or fit this impossible ideal I thought my followers expected of me but I feel like on my hiatus I cracked. When I started this blog my goal wasn't only to uplift people but to make something of myself. I became so focused on molding myself into something I'm not so I could gain a status I thought I wanted. So I'm going to be me. I hope I can do something worthwhile.

[narribeauty-blog]

Check out the latest on SPARK's website! You can browse through all the past issues and follow SPARK's blog post. Working with SPARK last semester was an amazing experience. I am grateful for having the opportunity to meet and work with such creative people. I remember receiving my copy of the magazine and thinking, "We created this?!" I'm so proud of what we created. Can't wait for FALL+WINTER 2016 issue! Stay tuned!

[magazinespark]

Full-Force

Something I'm learning is that it is not possible to tip-toe around your dreams, they have to be pursued in full-force. There is always the possibility of failing, embarrassing yourself or making mistakes but without that risk, the dream can't really be worth it, can it? I know now that I will never be completely prepared for what is to come, but with this knowledge I can continue to move in full, bracing myself for every lesson on the way to my ultimate goals.

[magazinespark]

Thank You

I want to say thank you for taking the time to read this, follow us, and support us altogether. It means the world to us that our voice is being heard. I want to take this moment to direct you to the submit page where you can also get your voice heard. I know it may not be a huge outlet, but it's something. Everything is acceptable, as long as it is positive and makes the world a little brighter. Thank you!

http://magazinespark.tumblr.com/submit

[magazinespark]

At times, the world is terrible and sad but do not lose hope, do not be discouraged, shine your light in the darkness. Be the Spark for the change to come.

[magazinespark]

'Part of Me'

Looking at the poster, Part of Me appears to be a fun, easy-going movie, which it was. What came as a surprise was how heavy the movie got to be at times. Part of Me follows Katy Perry on her world tour of 2011, which had all the fun and games Katy Perry is known for. Not to be only limited to the stage, the documentary dips into her past and her personal life, allowing the audience to see a part of the life of Katy Perry. 

Katy went through ups and downs like nothing else, but she stayed strong. From her rise to stardom to the end of her marriage, she persevered. Katy did not give up her dream even when people were trying to make her a product, "the next big thing," and when that failed the people around her saw that the only way for her to be successful was to let her be herself. It is a constant reminder in quotations, posters, songs to "be yourself, because everyone else is taken," but more importantly be yourself because that's the only person you can really be. We all can persevere and work hard as long as we do not lose sight of ourselves. If Katy Perry can see her dream of a candy wonderland onstage come true, then what's stopping you from your dream?

[magazinespark]

Today is the Fourth of July, America's Independence Day. Here's to being independent from fear:

The fact that fear is crippling is no secret. In the little things, like ordering in a new restaurant, and the big things, like choosing a college or career, fear seems to show up and hold you tight, making you sputter and hesitate. Most of the time, fear likes to be noticed and smiles through your frozen face and wide eyes so that the whole world can know how terrified you are. In the end, the inevitable truth is that everything will work out. It may not at first, but things work themselves out, so that maybe the kind waiter waiting for you to order can go work his other tables. I bring up fear because fear both drove me to and restricted me from starting this magazine. Fear as a driving force: I was afraid of what would happen if I didn’t start it. What could have been, how would I use my time, am I making a difference like I’ve always wanted to? As a restricting force: fear of being uncool, failing, or being in over my head stopped me from planning with abandon. In the end, the fear of not doing it won out and here we are. 

Things can be so scary sometimes all you feel like doing is curling up and waiting it out but I promise that is not how to be in charge of your life. Sooner or later the people around you will make your decisions for you and you lose your voice, which leads to losing yourself. Each of us is no better than the other; we’re all just different. Find your voice, lead your life, and hopefully you can find your dreams. And it’s always okay to feel scared, just don’t let the fear take your voice.

[magazinespark]

Welcome to Spark Magazine

A magazine run by us, for us. Instead of reading an article about butt-busting moves or how to get your makeup to look like so-and-so, we will be writing articles that we would like to read, stories we’d love to tell. For example, if you think your journey onto your school’s sports team is worth a read, write it out! Submit it and be published; it looks great on a resume or college application. Take some beautiful/provoking pictures and want people to see them? Send them over! Poetry, videos, music reviews, anything and everything at all. What I want to do is put out positivity and make a magazine I would like to read. I can do this only with your help, so do not be shy, put away your fears, just write. Anonymous is fine too, all are welcome. Give it a try, we’re still working things out, too :)