Reading Response #1
The Global Art Project of JR is a strong example of the ways in which art can bring people together and encourage conversations about social issues that are important. Specifically, JR’s inside-out project is a good example of how art can not only give people a voice when they dont have one but can also create a positive change. JR’s project invites people from all over the globe to share their stories and show their identities through a public art installation. Personally I liked the images if the Inside Out Project on the website. It was cool to see how many different backgrounds of people and cultures participated in this project and how their portraits had been displayed in public spaces all around the world. Personally I think that this is a good example of how art can be used to create community and help people understand and gave empathy for others. What I found most inspiring about JR’s project was the way it encouraged individuals to take ownership of their stories and identities by. This was accomplished by putting their portraits in public spaces for others to see and people were able to claim that space and their presence in this world. I think that this is especially important for marginalized communities who often feel ignored by society. Lastly JR’s project is a very powerful reminder of how impactful art can be. This project really shows us that art can be used to create a positive change and bring people toghether no matter where they come from or what their culture. Which is why i chose images that show community and murals.
Reading Response #2
I chose to pick pictures of nature and the midwest. The interview with Bryan Schutmaat and the article "Reshaping Robert Adams' Landscape" both explore the relationship between photography and the American landscape. Schutmaat's work is a powerful example of how photography can be used to capture the beauty and complexity of the West. Personally what I found most interesting about Schutmaat's interview was how he talked about the importance of storytelling in his work. He talked about how he tries to capture the “essence” of a place through his photographs by telling a story about the people and landscapes he runs into. I think this is an important reminder that photography is not just about capturing an image, but about capturing a moment in time and conveying a sense of meaning and emotion. The article "Reshaping Robert Adams' Landscape" also spoke on this idea of storytelling in photography. He argues that Adams' work is not just about capturing the beauty of the American landscape, but about telling a story about the impact of human activity on the environment. This is an important message because in today's world where climate change is a major issue. Overall, I think both the interview with Schutmaat and the article about Adams' work are powerful reminders of the importance of photography in shaping our understanding of the world around us. They show us that photography is not just about capturing an image but is alos about telling a story and expressing a sense of meaning and emotion. I hope to one day use my photography as a way to tell stories about the world and inspire people to take action on important social and environmental issues.
Reading Response #3
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The article "My Most Important Photograph" by Lauren Greenfield and Toni Morrison's short story "The Fisherwoman" both explore’s the theme of light and its “symbolic significance”. Greenfield's photograph, which depicts a young girl in a Los Angeles neighborhood, captures the tough reality of poverty and inequality in America. The photograph is powerful because of the way it uses light to convey a sense of hope and strength. On the other hand Morrison's story uses light as a metaphor. The fisherwoman's journey through the darkness of the ocean is a symbol and a powerful one of the human experience and the search for meaning and purpose in life. The story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always the possibility of finding light and hope.
The thing that I found most interesting about both the photograph and the story was the way that light was used to show a sense of meaning and emotion. In Greenfield's photograph the light is a symbol of hope and resilience, which reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of finding light and hope. In Morrison's story, the light serves as a metaphor for the human experience, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, there is always the possibility of finding meaning and purpose in life.
Lastly, I think both the photograph and the story are powerful reminders of the importance of light in our lives. They show us that light can be used to convey a sense of meaning and that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of finding hope. I hope to one day use light in my own work as a way to tell stories and inspire people. I will be taking photos from light through the trees and finding photos with the light landing on people to show their emotions is specific ways.
Reading Response #4
"Welcome to Pine Point" is a documentary that tells the story of a small mining town in Canada that was abandoned in the 1980s. The documentary is unique because it uses a combination of text, photographs, and video to create a pretty immersive experience which lets the viewer explore the town and its history in a way that feels personal. What I liked most about "Welcome to Pine Point" was the way it was interactive to create a feeling of engagement. The documentary was created to be explored letting the viewer to be able to click on different parts of the town to learn more about its history and the people who lived there. Also another thing I liked about "Welcome to Pine Point" was the way it told personal stories to tell the bigger story of the town. This was done by focusing on the experiences of individual residents, the documentary is able to tell the human impact of the town's decline in a way that is both emotional and impactful.
Lastly, I think "Welcome to Pine Point" is a good example of how interactive media can be used to create not only engaging but impactful documentaries. The way they are interactive and use personal stories makes the documentary feel very innovative, and I do hope to see more documentaries that use these techniques in the future.
I am going to take some photos from some similar projects such as, projects like "Hollow" by Elaine McMillion Sheldon, and "The Whale Hunt" by Jonathan Harris.
