Impressions of the Artworks
8/28/2024
Georage Melies
I like this film A Trip to the Moon. Melies demonstrates how art can transcend the limitations of time. I find this film fascinating for its pioneering use of special effects and imaginative storytelling. Melies, originally a magician, brought a sense of wonder and illusion to the screen, transforming cinema into a medium of boundless creativity. The film's iconic image of the rocket landing in the moon's eye is not just a testament to Melies’ technical ingenuity but also an early example of surrealist imagery. This moment captures the essence of early cinema's ability to merge reality with fantasy, inviting audiences to explore the limits of their imagination. Melies' theatrical background is evident in the film's elaborate set designs and costumes, which resemble stage productions more than modern-day films. This theatricality adds a unique charm and reminds us of cinema's roots in live performance art. It also highlights the collaborative nature of filmmaking, as Melies worked with craftsmen, painters, and performers to bring his vision to life. Moreover, A Trip to the Moon reflects the cultural fascination with space exploration at the turn of the 20th century. It serves as a commentary on human curiosity and the desire to push boundaries, themes that are still relevant today.
8/30/2024
John Cage
Experiencing John Cage's "Water Walk" and "4'33"" profoundly reshapes my understanding of music and silence. Initially, I found "Water Walk" intriguingly chaotic. Cage's use of everyday objects—radios, bathtubs, and water pitchers—challenged my preconceived notions of musical instruments. It was a playful yet serious exploration of sound, pushing me to reconsider what constitutes music. This performance is full of randomness and unpredictability, as if Cage was inviting us to find beauty in the unexpected and mundane. I felt that 4’33” was a revelation. When I first saw the pianist press the bell, I was expecting something interesting to happen next. But he just sat there and did nothing. As the silence stretched, I began to notice ambient sounds, such as coughs from the audience, and some strange rustling sounds. The performance made me aware of the sounds in our daily lives that are often ignored. The work taught me that silence is not the absence of sound, but a space full of potential and awareness. Both works challenge traditional artistic boundaries. Cage's approach inspires me to embrace unpredictability and appreciate the richness of sound and silence in new ways. These works encourage me to actively listen and appreciate art in everyday experiences. Cage's work reminds me that true art often lies in unexpected and unexplored places.
09/04/2024
Christina Kubisch
I'm not particularly fond of most of the sounds in Christina Kubisch's "Electrical Walks." Many of them simply come across as noise to me, with some feeling quite harsh and jarring, which can be uncomfortable. However, I do appreciate the sense of space her work creates. It's fascinating to hear the electromagnetic waves that usually go unnoticed in our daily lives. Despite my reservations, I recognize the innovation in her approach. Kubisch offers a novel perspective on the urban environment, allowing audiences to experience the city in a completely different way. By using technical means to reveal these hidden soundscapes, she transforms the mundane into something extraordinary. This aspect of her work is commendable, as it challenges us to rethink our auditory surroundings and perceive them anew. Her work also invites reflection on the relationship between technology and our sensory experiences. While I may not enjoy all the sounds, I can appreciate the creativity and intention behind them. Kubisch's ability to uncover and present these concealed layers of sound is undeniably unique, encouraging us to engage with our environment more deeply and thoughtfully. This exploration fosters a greater awareness of the unseen, prompting us to consider how technology shapes our perception of reality.
09/06/2024
Christine Sun Kim
When I watched her work, I was struck by how she redefined our understanding of sound, especially from her perspective as a deaf artist. It challenged me to rethink the meaning of sound beyond just auditory perception.Kim’s use of many unique visual elements to represent sound was both fresh and thought-provoking. Her artwork invites viewers to explore the concept of sound beyond hearing, emphasizing the vibrations and physical sensations associated with it. I found this to be an interesting form of expression because it emphasizes that sound can be experienced in many ways, not just through our ears. For example, she placed a brush dipped in paint on the canvas and then used an interactive machine to vibrate the canvas, allowing the brush to leave marks on the canvas. I loved this form of expression and it is very worth learning.
I was particularly moved by her ability to convey emotions and narratives through visual soundscapes. Her work made me think about communication barriers and how art can bridge these gaps. I saw how she used her unique perspective to create a dialogue about accessibility and inclusivity in the art world.
I was also impressed by Kim’s exploration of the social and cultural aspects of sound. Her work raises an important question: who has the power to define and control the meaning of sound in society. This has prompted me to reflect on my own perceptions and biases regarding voice and silence.
Overall, I am deeply impressed by Christine Sun Kim’s work. It has expanded my understanding of voice as a multifaceted experience and encouraged me to appreciate the many ways people interact with the world. Her art is a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity and the richness that different perspectives bring to our shared experiences.
9/11/2024
Ellen Gallagher
Gallagher’s work deeply appeals to me because it is deeply tied to history and memory. I was struck by how she transformed historically significant materials, such as old advertisements from African American magazines, into new narratives. Her manipulation of these elements feels like a conversation with the past, creating layers that simultaneously reveal and conceal stories. Her technique of layering materials and images is reminiscent of compiling archives. Because it reflects the complexity of memory and history, suggesting both preservation and transformation over time. Each work seems to capture a moment in an ongoing dialogue with the past, present, and future. This approach is well worth learning.
I found her use of recurring themes and extended series particularly fascinating. These elements suggest an evolving dialogue, not only with her own thoughts and experiences, but also with broader cultural and historical discourses. It felt like witnessing her ideas gradually unfold and mature, making me reflect on my own understanding of history and identity.
Gallagher’s work demands that I participate as a viewer. The intricate details and layers encourage a slow, reflective viewing experience, reflecting the meticulous process of creation. The time in her work encompasses historical depth, the labor of artistic creation, and the participation of the viewer. This shared journey through time deeply connected me to the art, bridging the gap between the artist’s process, historical content, and my own experiences.
9/13/2024
Susan Philipsz
Susan Phillips’ work is profound and moving to me. She approaches sound as sculpture, creating installations that resonate deeply both emotionally and historically.
One thing that fascinates me is how she uses historically resonant sound sources. The sound of an orchestral piece by a composer who served time in a concentration camp conveys an emotional depth that is both haunting and lyrical. It evokes a reflection on the past, prompting me to think about the stories and emotions these sounds hold. Phillipsz’s rehearsal of instruments damaged during World War II in a small German town strikes me as a profound act of remembrance and healing. It feels like a dialogue between the past and the present, a way of acknowledging history while also creating space for reflection and reconciliation.
Her work in Vienna connects a famous public square to its fascist past, confronting the viewer with uncomfortable truths. It made me aware of the layers of history beneath the surface of familiar places, encouraging me to look deeper into the spaces those people inhabited. Philipsz’s installations allow people to interact with sound in a new way, transforming audio into a powerful storytelling tool. Her work lingered with me long after I experienced it, reminding me of the power of sound to evoke memory and emotion. It is a testament to how art can bridge the past and present, fostering a deeper connection to history and humanity.
9/20
Mary Reid Kelly
Mary Reid Kelley's use of a black-and-white aesthetic creates a weird, theatrical atmosphere that immediately drew me in. The high-contrast visuals emphasize the bold, graphic quality of her work, and her makeup has a Gothic feel. Her meticulous attention to detail in the costumes, sets, and animations is mesmerizing. Each element is carefully designed to enhance the narrative and character development. The exaggerated features and stylized designs contribute to the satirical tone, adding layers of meaning. Her visual style not only complements the performance, but also deepens the audience's engagement with the themes she explores. The interplay between her lines and the special effects she adds to her body is seamless, and every word and visual cue has a purpose. This cohesive approach creates a world that is both surreal and familiar, which is very engaging for the audience. The visuals in Mary Reid Kelly's work allow the audience to engage with the complex narratives she presents. Her ability to combine visual art with narrative provides a fresh perspective and allows me to gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural contexts she explores. Her work inspires me to think critically and appreciate the intricate connections between form and content.
9/25
Lisa Reihana
Reihana’s work challenges traditional narratives of exploration and colonialism. I found myself thinking about the complex interactions between the indigenous people and European explorers depicted in the scenes. The way she interweaves historical events with artistic interpretations adds depth. What impressed me most was the fluidity and movement in the work. The continuous scrolling of the panorama felt like an endless journey. She used green screens and actors to recreate scenes from the European colonial period. This technique gave me a sense of being there. I think it would have been even more powerful to see the work in person. The soundscape also played a vital role in shaping my experience. The ambient sounds heightened the emotional impact and made me feel as if I was part of the drama that was unfolding. It served as a powerful reminder of the stories behind the historical events. Overall, I was impressed by Reihana’s Emissaries. It invites viewers to question and engage with history through a contemporary lens, providing a nuanced perspective that is both thought-provoking and visually stunning. Her ability to blend art and history in such an innovative way challenged my perceptions and encouraged me to gain a deeper understanding of the past.
9/27
Stephanie Syjuco
Syjuco's work often deals with issues of colonialism, globalization, and the complex power dynamics that shape our world. As someone who has grappled with questions of identity and belonging, I find her exploration of these themes deeply resonant. Her use of appropriation and mimicry feels like a subversive act, a way of reclaiming agency and challenging dominant narratives. When I watch her work, I feel a sense of solidarity and empowerment, as if she's giving voice to the unspoken tensions and contradictions that so many of us experience. At the same time, Syjuco's art is not without a sense of humor and playfulness. Her use of bright colors, patterns, and unexpected juxtapositions often brings a smile to my face, even as it provokes deeper reflection. This ability to balance critique with creativity, seriousness with whimsy, is one of the things I admire most about her work. Ultimately, what I find most compelling about Syjuco's art is the way it invites participation and collaboration. Many of her projects involve the contributions of other artists, community members, and the public at large. This emphasis on collective action and shared authorship feels like a powerful statement about the role of art in society. It suggests that we all have a part to play in shaping our cultural narratives and imagining new possibilities for the future.
10/2/2024
Judith Scott
I believe Judith Scott is an artist. When I saw her sculptures, I was immediately struck by their intricacy and beauty. The way she uses fiber to wrap objects creates works that are very visually striking. Each sculpture is like a world in itself, carefully woven together. It makes me wonder what stories they might contain. There is a sense of mystery to her work that invites contemplation. The textures and colors she chooses seem to speak their own language, conveying emotions that are difficult to put into words. What moves me most is the raw authenticity of her art. Scott's sculptures feel very personal, as if each piece is an extension of her inner world. Her ability to transform everyday materials into something extraordinary is a testament to her creativity and vision. Viewing her work has made me think about the nature of expression and communication. It challenges traditional notions of what art is and who can be an artist. Judith Scott's sculptures have made me realize that art is a powerful form of self-expression that transcends boundaries and connects us on a deep level. Her work inspired me to embrace the unique and unconventional, and recognize the beauty of creativity in all its forms.
10/9/2024
Maya Deren
1. Both. The film blends reality and fantasy, creating a dreamlike experience. It uses surreal imagery to blur the lines between the real world and the character's inner psyche.
2. I believe that time in the film is nonlinear and cyclical. The main character experiences time as a series of recurring and overlapping events, emphasizing a sense of confusion and entrapment.
3. In my view, keys represent access or transition, possibly between states of consciousness or reality. Flowers can express femininity. Knife is the symbol of danger or conflict.
4. I think the shadow figure is her subconscious. Because there is a mirror on the shadow figure’s face.When she looked at the shadow figure, she saw her own face in the mirror. It's like her inner self or another personality. They bring me an elusive sense of fear.
5. The film's pace is slow and somewhat eerie, which enhances the surreal and dreamlike quality. This pace allows the audience to gain a deeper understanding of the protagonist's psychological journey, emphasizing her feeling of being lost and trapped.
The cyclical nature of time in the film resonated deeply with me, mirroring moments when life feels like a series of recurring patterns I can't quite escape.
10/11/2024
Peter Tscherkassky
In my view, the film creates an unsettling atmosphere through the re-editing and processing of existing film footage. The sound design plays a crucial role, enhancing the unsettling atmosphere. Distorted audio elements—such as static, echoes, and sudden bursts of noise—create a constant sense of tension, mirroring the protagonist's struggle. The film's abstract nature leaves much to interpretation, encouraging viewers to engage with it on a visceral level rather than seeking a linear story. At some moments, the sound even overwhelms the visuals and becomes the dominant element, forcing the audience to immerse themselves in an invisible pressure. The way the sound and the picture are intertwined allows the film to deeply affect the viewer's senses and emotions in just a few minutes. From a visual point of view, there are many places in the short film where the images flash frequently. My eyes are almost blinded by them. I feel like the woman in the film has not escaped. I feel like she has been trapped somewhere. The film creates a constant sense of oppression through fragmented images and sounds, and the ending still maintains that chaotic and tense atmosphere. The artist did not directly expressed that she has escaped.
