Morbid Curiosity Highlights...

Throughout the Morbid Curiosity exhibit there were many personal highlights. The first room was stunning, I was in awe of the fact that the art covered the space from floor to ceiling. Truly it was not the traditional setting that I am used to seeing fine art. However the art, seemed like it was meant to be there. It felt appropriate being housed there, in that antique room.

Although there was no shortage of incredible work, I have two favorite pieces. First is the giant chandelier by Jodie Carrey, “In The Eyes of Others”. I liked it before coming to the exhibit, my opinions based on a photograph. However the picture did not do it justice. I hung in the center of the room, and it was giant. Hanging from the ceiling, and nearly touching the ground. Leaving me feeling small standing next to the giant composition of bones. 

My second favorite piece was “Pieta” by Guerra de la Paz, the artistic duo of Alian Guerra and Neraldo de la Paz. When I first saw it I was shocked. This composition of the virgin mother, and her dead son is a popular one. However the fact that they were both clothed in military outfits completely changed my perception of this image. Also the clothing (as explained to me by Samantha) is used because it brings life to the forms. Rather than a contrived sculpture, the clothes bring a sense of stark reality to a familiar image. Ultimately something that quickly became a lasting image when thinking of the Morbid Curiosity exhibit. 

Morbid Curiosity...

Jodie Carey was born in 1981 in London, England. Where she still currently resides, and works. An alumni from Goldsmiths College, as well as a graduate student London’s Royal College of Art, Carey has been featured in exhibitions across Europe and in the United States. She also has been the recipient of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Studio Bursary Award in the years 2007 through 2010. 

Her body of work shares a haunting aesthetic, reminiscent of gothic imagery that can be found decorating the historic cathedrals of France and the United Kingdom. Perhaps such structures provide inspiration for Jodie Carey. However, I am most drawn to one piece in particular. I have developed an obsession with her piece “In The Eyes of Others”. This is installation is composed of three massive chandeliers, all comprised of molded plaster recreations of human bones. The chandeliers hang from the ceiling in a dark room filled with newspapers, and cardboard boxes. At first glance they look like just massive, white, chandeliers. Illuminate them and you could find them in a high class home. However upon close glance you begin to realize what they are made out of. Some may be repulsed by using such a medium, but I just kinda squealed a little and said, “thats so cool!”. 

Identity Free Write...

        Whenever I am asked to define my identity I am often thrown into a heightened state of panic. I begin to stare at the ceiling as if florescent lighting will contain my answer. I feel as though I am in math class, and being asked to solve some ridiculous algorithm. Dramatic I know. But what does identity even mean? How could I possible conjure up the words to describe my current state of being? Of existence? Am I expected to describe a compilation of decisions, prejudices, and experiences? Is that my identity?  

        However this is just one small piece of this supposed compilation. My attempt at defining the word “ladylike”. Whenever I hear this word my mind is instantaneously thrown into the mindset of a stereotypical 1950s housewife. As if this word was derived of this seemingly captive lifestyle. The white picket fences acting as prison bars, and apron strings as handcuffs. A life of subservient silence, and family service. And all I think of is, ewww. Even in a contemporary society and mindset, for me, this word still holds the same overwhelming connotation. 

       I hesitantly contemplate how others must react when I use such harsh language to describe a seemingly harmless adjective. Do they think of me as one of those “angry feminist types”? Has she been listening to too much Alanis Morissette? Or perhaps I have not been so forthcoming with my strong views on my definition of this word. To best ensure that people do not come to the wrong conclusion. To put myself in between both extremes. The admirer of traditional feminine values and the angry feminist-- the latter being the less desired perception. 

       Do I ultimately project myself with a neutral opinion? Or do I purposefully surround myself with people who understand? As to avoid harsh judgement, and misinterpretations of my character. Why do I think this way? What lead me to think this way? I am still unsure. After all those are complicated questions to answer. 

Tattoo B...

I was immediately drawn to the aesthetic quality of tattoo B. I like the vibrant reds, and the organic linear designs on each side of the heart. When my gaze is focused to the middle of the tattoo I begin to notice the intricacies inside the heart shape. The look like gears, the type that would be inside of a clock or other mechanisms. It also looks as though it has been worked on or repaired. Maybe the heart was broken at one point in time. Then I notice the text. Perhaps they are initials of a loved one, or passed loved one. Ultimately a beautiful and intriguing design.
I would assume that this person is younger, perhaps in their 20s. Considering tattoos do appeal to younger demographic. I would also assume that this young woman in rather impulsive, considering many do get tattoos based on impulse. However due to the sentimental nature of the design perhaps this tattoo had a very long thought process or emotional event. Sparking such a permanent form of a memorial. Or perhaps this is not a memorial at all. But an homage to a person, place, or thing in this young woman’s life. My guess would be a person. Just because of the initials below the heart. I am indeed intrigued to know exactly what this tattoo means to its owner. But I am more drawn to the aesthetic of it.

Lets be honest...

My life has been rooted in anything but conventions. Strange traditions, loud vulgar conversations, and a lack (or rather a reinterpretation) of family values. Needless to say my upbringing is different at the very least. However I am hesitant to say that the abnormality of my home dynamic is the sole origin of my now (and still ever evolving) identity. 

Ideally I would like the idea that I am the sole creator of my identity. That I consciencely crafted who I am through each decision made throughout a lifetime, as well as how I decide to present myself on a daily bases. Ultimately if there is one quality who’s importance has never wavered. Honesty. Being honest with myself and with others. I accredit this to the free flowing nature of conversation with my mother, sister, and grandmother throughout my childhood and adolescence. I have never lied out of necessity, or feeling as though I was going to be in trouble. I had nothing to hide, and felt as though being a different person around family as opposed to who I was with others was simply too much effort. 

My research is going to be a search for an explanation of my rejection to another convention. The idea of being “ladylike”. Why does this idea seem so unattractive to me? But also I want to explore the interpretation of ladylike to other young women, and how it affects them. As well as the evolution of women throughout history, and how it lead to the "modern woman". 

Paper Topics

In my first blog, I simply stated that I am fond of vulgarity, and was given the suggestion to explore why. However my roommate always says that being vulgar is not very "ladylike". Okay well, I want to explore what it means to be "ladylike". For this study I will study my group of friends. Within the group of girls I find myself in, there are representatives of many different types of young women. I also want to try to explain the "modern woman". Who women are today compared to who we were in history. Because I believe that what it means to be a woman is constantly evolving. 

Cultural Text: Tumblr and Social Media...

We live in a world of social media. Less than maybe a decade into its evolution--we have seen a plethora of websites come and go within our lifetimes. The popularity of these forums ebbs and flows in consequence to the public’s interest, and now it seems that Facebook and Twitter reign supreme. Such virtual spaces have given us the capability to connect with (what these sites consider) friends, and has given a reevaluated connotation to the verb “follow”. The general public now has the chance to connect, and have basic insight into the lives of our friends, celebrities, and even the President of the United States. What a world we find ourselves in. International communication, available free of charge, that loads in a matter of seconds. The exchange of ideas, no longer bound by geographical challenges and other hardships of traditional transportation. 

However there is one form of social media that I prefer, and has found its way into popular culture amongst youth and adolescence; Tumblr. Tumblr is a site that allows members to create what is essentially a simplified blog. What Tumblr offers that differentiates itself from other blog sites, is that the majority of posts are a form of visual media. Facebook and Twitter users, use these spaces to let everyone know exactly what they are thinking, in the form of a status. As if each thought is of momentous importance. Whereas Tumblr allows the users to simplify their thoughts into what they see-- The images that flash through their minds. Creating colorful, intriguing blogs that grant the viewers insight into the world as the user perceives it.

Ultimately social media promotes and facilitates an egocentric and narcissistic culture. A forum where people can post whatever they are thinking, whenever they want to. However Tumblr provides a more intimate look into the users thoughts. Simple video, sounds, and visuals. Little pieces of culture that create the reality of one individual. Put into a carefully arranged compilation for the entirety of the virtual world to see. 

http://missdanibee.tumblr.com/

http://alidaabee.tumblr.com/

Allow Me To Introduce Myself....

Basic facts... I am a California girl who decided to take an adventure in Chicago. I am originally from a small surf town called Huntington Beach, right in the middle of Orange County-- and despite popular belief it is nowhere near comparable to the unfortunate dramatizations of recent reality TV shows. I came to Columbia to be in a familiar artistic setting. I graduated from Orange County High School of the Arts, and in my time there I became all too comfortable learning in an artistic environment. Making Columbia College Chicago the most natural next step in my education. 
At my high school I was a Commercial Dance major. Basically meaning I trained in all forms to prepare to go into a more commercial entertainment market. I have been dancing all my life both professionally and competitively. However after my last show with my senior class, my feet have seldom reached a dance floor and my shoes have been collecting dust. I’m hesitant to say that I have “retired” from my art, but I have been indeed neglecting it. 
Ultimately I am sure most people are far too complex to explain in one blog entry.   Every detail, facet, and quirk. For example, I am a twin. I love sunshine, trees, and believe in the good of the world. I have an obsession with Adele and sea turtles, and a fondness for vulgarity. I like the color green and I’m not scared to admit that the winter has made me homesick. But thats just the beginning. So, feel free to get to know me. We have the whole semester.